Gunmen have reportedly abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye.”
The 60-year-old educator was allegedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning from his farm, prompting fresh concerns over the growing insecurity affecting rural communities in the state.
According to information gathered, the incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The victim’s son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, disclosed that his father was on his way back from visiting his farm when armed men intercepted him and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Following the abduction, the suspected kidnappers reportedly contacted members of the family using the victim’s mobile phone.
During the conversation, the abductors allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦30 million as a condition for securing his release.
The development has thrown the victim’s family, colleagues and residents of the community into anxiety as efforts continue to secure his freedom.
In a fresh development, a search party reportedly recovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned inside a bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The discovery raised hopes among family members and residents that security agencies might be able to trace the kidnappers and rescue the school headmaster.
The incident has generated widespread concern within the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, with teachers, colleagues and residents expressing sadness over the abduction.
Many described Mr. Owoade as a respected educationist who had dedicated years of service to improving access to education in the area.
The family has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the victim.
They specifically called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security outfits to intervene urgently and ensure his safe and unconditional release.
The appeal also extended to members of the public, urging anyone with useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the abductors to come forward.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives had already commenced efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesperson did not provide further details regarding ongoing operations but assured that efforts were being intensified to ensure the victim’s safe return and bring the kidnappers to justice.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over attacks targeting farmers and rural residents in parts of Oyo State, where kidnappers have increasingly exploited isolated communities and farmlands.
