Barely 24 hours after the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, gunmen have abducted the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victim, Mr Owoade Matthew Kolawale, popularly known as “Onaiye”, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
According to the victim’s son, Mr Owoade Abiola, the Oyo school headmaster was returning from his farm at Budo Aare when he was abducted by the gunmen.
He said the kidnappers later contacted the family through the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release.
At about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team recovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush.
The incident has sparked concern among the victim’s family, colleagues and members of the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
They appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to secure Owoade Kolawale’s release.
The family also appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in rescuing the abducted headmaster.
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers and secure the victim’s safe release.
