Oyo Headmaster Mr. Kolawale Mathew Owoade Kidnapped, Gunmen Demand ₦30 Million Ransom

Fear has spread across Oyo State's education community after suspected gunmen abducted a primary school headmaster and demanded a ₦30 million ransom, prompting renewed calls for improved security for teachers.

Anxiety has gripped the education community in Oyo State following the abduction of a 60-year-old primary school headmaster, Mr. Kolawale Mathew Owoade, by suspected gunmen who have reportedly demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release.

Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, is the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. He was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning from his farm, an incident that has heightened concerns over the safety of teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities.

According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the headmaster was intercepted by the armed men between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. while making his way home from the farm. He explained that shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million as ransom for his freedom. Abiola added that a search party later recovered his father’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush on Sunday morning, raising fears about his condition and whereabouts.

Within his appeal, Abiola urged the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, local hunters and vigilante groups to intensify efforts to rescue his father safely and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

The incident has generated concern among teachers and residents of Itesiwaju Local Government Area, coming just days after security agencies successfully rescued dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent 56 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Many education workers have expressed worries that the latest incident further exposes the security risks confronting school personnel in parts of the state.

Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command said efforts were underway to secure the victim’s release. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated within his response that the victim was kidnapped while on his farm at Budo Aare and assured the public that security operatives were working to rescue him unharmed while tracking down the perpetrators.

The abduction has renewed calls for stronger security around schools and rural communities, with education advocates insisting that teachers should be able to carry out their duties and legitimate personal activities without fear of violence. They maintain that protecting educators remains essential to ensuring uninterrupted teaching and learning across the country.