Gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, with the abductors demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
The 60-year-old educator was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while returning home from his farm in Budo Aare.
Speaking on the incident, the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, disclosed that the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the abduction using his father’s mobile phone to demand N30 million as ransom.
He added that a search party later discovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12.
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, vigilantes and other local security outfits, to intensify efforts towards rescuing his father safely.
The abduction has sparked concern among residents, colleagues of the victim and members of the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, who described the incident as disturbing.
The latest kidnapping comes just days after the successful rescue of over 40 pupils and teachers who were abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area. The victims were freed by a joint security operation after spending 56 days in captivity.
Confirming the latest incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the victim was abducted at his farm in Budo Aare.
According to the police, efforts are ongoing to secure the victim’s release and bring those responsible for the crime to justice.
