By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Gunmen have abducted the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade with the abductors demanding N30 million ransom for his release.
The 60-year-old educator, popularly known as “Onaiye”, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while returning from his farm in the Budo Aare area of the local government.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the victim had gone to inspect his farm and was on his way home between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. when armed men intercepted and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
He disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family through the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million before releasing him.
The family subsequently organised a search, which led to the discovery of the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday. However, there was no trace of the headmaster.
The incident has heightened anxiety in Igbojaye community and among education stakeholders in Itesiwaju Local Government, with residents, colleagues and family members expressing concern over the victim’s safety.
They appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his safe release and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The family also urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the victim.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had commenced efforts to rescue the victim.
“I can confirm that a farmer, Mr. Owoade Matthew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue him unhurt and arrest the perpetrators,” Ayanlade said.
He, however, did not disclose whether any arrests had been made, assuring that the police were working to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and bring those behind the crime to justice.