Gunmen Kidnap Oyo School Headmaster, Demand ₦30m Ransom

Gunmen have abducted Matthew Kolawale Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The case comes days after abducted Oyo pupils and teachers were freed after 56 days in captivity, a development NaijaTrend reported here. The latest report has put school security back under scrutiny in the state.

Vanguard reported that Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, was taken on Saturday evening, July 11, while returning from a visit to his farm. His son, Abiola Owoade, said the attackers intercepted him on the way and later contacted the family with his mobile phone.

The abductors demanded ₦30 million for his release. A search team later found Owoade’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush on Sunday morning.

Daily Post also reported the abduction and said the headmaster was kidnapped around the Budo Aare area. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said officers were working to rescue him and arrest those responsible.

The case has renewed concern in Oyo’s education community after the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state. The victim’s family and colleagues have appealed to the police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies to secure his release.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post