Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Oyo State after unidentified gunmen abducted a 60-year-old primary school headmaster and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release, just days after security agencies rescued dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent weeks in captivity in another part of the state.
The victim, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, located in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to information gathered by Weng Global, the incident occurred on Saturday evening, between approximately 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the educator was returning home after visiting his farm. Armed men reportedly intercepted him along the route, forced him away at gunpoint, and whisked him to an unknown destination.
Family receives ransom demand
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted members of the victim’s family using his mobile phone.
According to the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, the abductors demanded ₦30 million as a condition for his father’s release.
The demand has thrown the family into distress, with relatives appealing to government authorities and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the headmaster’s safe return.
The family has also urged members of the public with useful information that could assist security operatives to come forward.
Motorcycle recovered
In a development that offered investigators an important clue, a local search team reportedly recovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned inside a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday.
The discovery strengthened fears that the headmaster had been forcibly taken away by the attackers after they abandoned his means of transportation.
Security agencies are expected to use evidence gathered from the scene as part of ongoing investigations into the kidnapping.
Education community expresses concern
The abduction has generated widespread concern across Itesiwaju Local Government Area, particularly among teachers, school administrators, pupils, and residents.
Colleagues described Mr. Owoade as a dedicated educator who has spent years serving rural communities through public education.
Residents fear the incident could further discourage teachers working in remote communities where security challenges continue to increase.
Many community leaders have called on authorities to strengthen security patrols around farming settlements and rural roads, which have increasingly become targets for kidnappers.
Appeal to security agencies
Family members, education stakeholders, and community leaders have 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 toward rescuing the headmaster unharmed.
They also urged authorities to track down those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted according to the law.
Residents argued that repeated kidnappings are creating fear among farmers, teachers, traders, and rural dwellers whose livelihoods depend on travelling through isolated areas.
Renewed security concerns in Oyo
The latest kidnapping comes at a particularly sensitive time for Oyo State.
Only days earlier, security agencies announced the successful rescue of 39 schoolchildren and six teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area after spending about 56 days in captivity.
The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the military, the Department of State Services, the police, and other security agencies.
Authorities described the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing operations against criminal groups operating in the region.
The fresh abduction has, however, renewed concerns that criminal gangs continue to operate across parts of Oyo State despite intensified security operations.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent security threats, affecting schools, highways, farms, and rural communities.
Rising insecurity
Kidnapping has continued to challenge security agencies across several parts of Nigeria, with victims ranging from students and teachers to traditional rulers, farmers, health workers, and business owners.
Analysts say criminal gangs often target vulnerable communities where security presence is limited and where victims can be easily isolated.
The growing frequency of attacks has prompted renewed calls for improved intelligence gathering, community policing, better surveillance technology, and stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
Observers also believe greater investment in rural security infrastructure—including improved roads, communication networks, and rapid emergency response systems—could help reduce such incidents.
Awaiting official updates
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released detailed information regarding ongoing rescue efforts or whether contact had been established with the kidnappers beyond the reported ransom demand.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel.
The incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need to address insecurity affecting rural communities and educational institutions across Nigeria.
For now, the family of Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade continues to hope for his safe return as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue him and apprehend those behind the abduction.
Sources:
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Daily Post Nigeria
- Reuters (background on recent Oyo school rescue)
- Premium Times (background on rescue operation)
