Gunmen Kidnap Oyo Headmaster, Demand ₦30 Million Ransom

Gunmen Kidnap 60-Year-Old Oyo Headmaster, Demand ₦30 Million Ransom

Suspected gunmen have abducted a 60-year-old headmaster in Oyo State, demanding ₦30 million for his release in the latest incident highlighting the growing insecurity affecting parts of the state. The victim, identified as Matthew Kolawale Owoade, is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to reports, he was kidnapped while returning home from his farm, leaving his family and community in shock.

Sources familiar with the incident said the headmaster had gone to his farm before he was intercepted by armed men on his way back. When he failed to return home, relatives and members of the community launched a search. The search party later discovered his motorcycle abandoned near a bush, raising fears that he had been kidnapped. Shortly afterward, the suspected abductors reportedly contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

The victim’s relatives have appealed to security agencies and members of the public for assistance in ensuring his safe return. The family described the headmaster as a peaceful education professional who has dedicated many years to serving children and his community. Residents have also expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping affecting rural communities, particularly farmers, teachers, and travelers.

    The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and said investigations are ongoing.

Police authorities stated that officers have commenced efforts to rescue the victim safely while tracking down those responsible for the crime. The command assured residents that security personnel are working to ensure the kidnappers are arrested and prosecuted.

The incident comes only days after the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Many residents had hoped the rescue would signal an improvement in security across the state.

However, the latest kidnapping has renewed concerns about the activities of criminal gangs operating in remote communities. Security experts continue to advocate increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, community policing, and improved rural security to reduce the frequency of such attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of the major security challenges facing several parts of Nigeria. Victims often include farmers, teachers, traditional rulers, business owners, commuters, and students. Many observers believe stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies is essential to preventing future attacks.

                   You can also read; 

Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity

Peter Obi Welcomes Safe Return of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren, Calls for Stronger Security

The abduction of 60-year-old headmaster Matthew Kolawale Owoade has once again drawn attention to the security challenges confronting rural communities in Oyo State. As police intensify rescue efforts, family members, colleagues, and residents remain hopeful that he will be safely reunited with his loved ones.

Authorities have urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to report it to the nearest security agency.