Gunmen have allegedly abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in the Budo Aare area of Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, demanding ₦30 million for his release.
The victim, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning from his farm.
Investigations revealed that the incident occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said the abductors contacted the family shortly after the incident using his father’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million.
“The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area.
“Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
“However, at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team recovered his motorcycle abandoned in the bush,” he said.
The abduction comes just days after more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, were rescued unharmed by a joint security team after spending 56 days in captivity.
Abiola appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), hunters and local vigilantes, to intensify efforts to secure his father’s release.
The incident has also sparked concern among the victim’s colleagues and members of the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were underway to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mathew Owoade, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unharmed and arrest the perpetrators,” the police spokesperson said.
