Gunmen Abduct 60-Year-Old Oyo Headmaster, Demand N30m Ransom

Gunmen have abducted a 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, identified as Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, with his kidnappers demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 PM, when the victim was returning from his farm within the Budo Aare community before he was intercepted by the armed assailants.

According to the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the abduction using his father’s mobile phone and demanded the sum of N30 million as a condition for his release.

Abiola explained that his father was attacked while returning from his farm, adding that the family immediately began efforts to establish contact with the abductors and secure his safe return.

A search team later recovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, raising concerns about his location and the movement of his abductors.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, stating that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend those responsible for the crime.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the victim was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare and assured that security operatives were working to secure his release.

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Oyo State, particularly communities where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over attacks by criminal elements targeting farmers, residents and other vulnerable persons.

The abduction occurred shortly after the rescue of over 40 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that attracted national attention after the victims spent 56 days in captivity before their release by security agencies.

The renewed attack has further heightened calls for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing and increased security presence in rural communities across the state.

Security agencies are currently intensifying search operations to locate the abducted headmaster, ensure his safe return and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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