Key points
- Gunmen kidnapped 60-year-old school headmaster Kolawale Mathew Owoade in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.
- The abductors contacted his family and demanded N30 million for his release.
- Police authorities say efforts are underway to rescue the victim unharmed and arrest the perpetrators.
Main Story
Gunmen have kidnapped Kolawale Mathew Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, demanding a N30 million ransom for his release.
Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, was abducted between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, while returning from his farm at Budo Aare.
His son, Abiola Owoade, said the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the abduction using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million to secure his release.
A search operation launched after the incident led to the recovery of Owoade’s motorcycle, which was found abandoned in the bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12.
The latest abduction comes amid concerns over kidnapping and attacks targeting communities and schools in parts of Oyo State.
More than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on May 15 were rescued unharmed by joint security agencies on Friday, July 10.
The victims spent 56 days in captivity before their rescue.
The Issues
The abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity in rural communities, particularly the vulnerability of farmers, teachers and residents travelling through isolated areas.
The N30 million ransom demand also highlights the growing use of kidnapping for financial gain, placing significant pressure on victims’ families and local communities.
Recent mass abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers have further intensified calls for stronger intelligence gathering, security patrols and coordinated operations across vulnerable communities.
What’s Being Said
Abiola Owoade, the victim’s son, said his father was kidnapped while returning from his farm.
“The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area.
“Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release.
“However, at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team recovered his motorcycle abandoned in the bush,” he said.
Abiola appealed to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, hunters and vigilantes to intervene and rescue his father.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction and said efforts were underway to secure Owoade’s release.
“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mathew Owoade, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unharmed and arrest the perpetrators,” Ayanlade said.
What’s Next
Security agencies are expected to intensify search and rescue operations in Budo Aare and the surrounding communities to locate the abducted headmaster.
Authorities are also expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and track the perpetrators.
The victim’s family and members of the education community will be awaiting further updates from security agencies as rescue efforts continue.
Bottom Line
The kidnapping of a 60-year-old headmaster in Oyo State, coming days after the rescue of more than 40 abducted schoolchildren and teachers, underscores persistent security concerns in rural communities and the urgent need for stronger measures to combat kidnapping.
