A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly called “Onaiye”, has reportedly been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
According to his son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, the headmaster was on his way back from his farm when he was stopped and taken away by armed men.
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly called the family with the victim’s phone and demanded Thirty Million Naira (N30,000,000) for his release.
At about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team found the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush.
Members of the family, colleagues, and the entire education community in Itesiwaju LGA have expressed sadness over the incident. They have called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to act fast to secure Mr. Kolawale’s immediate and unconditional release.
The public has also been urged to provide any information that could help ensure his safe return.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said: “I can confirm to you that a farmer Mr. Owoade Mathew was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and perpetrator arrested.”
