A headmaster of a nomadic basic school in Oyo State has been abducted by suspected gunmen, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
The victim, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, 60, who heads the Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, was reportedly seized on Saturday evening, while returning from his farm.
According to family members on Monday, the assailants intercepted Owoade between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., whisking him away to an unknown destination.
His son, Abiola Owoade, said the kidnappers later contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million before he could regain his freedom.
A search party reportedly discovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, raising fresh concerns over his safety.
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The incident has thrown the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area into anxiety, with colleagues, relatives and residents urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the headmaster’s safe release.
They appealed to the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to act swiftly, while also calling on members of the public to provide useful information that could aid rescue efforts.
Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the victim was kidnapped while at his farm in Budo Aare.
He added that police operatives had launched a rescue operation and were working to ensure the victim is rescued unharmed and those responsible are apprehended.
