The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a 60-year-old headmaster, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Mr. Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. while returning from his farm.

According to his son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, the victim was intercepted by unidentified armed men who forcefully whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of thirty million naira (N30,000,000) for his release.

In a related development, a local search team recovered the victim’s motorcycle at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The motorcycle was found abandoned in a nearby bush, further heightening concerns over his safety.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among family members, colleagues, and the entire education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. They have collectively appealed to security agencies, including the  and the , to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate and unconditional release of the victim.

The public has also been urged to provide credible information that could assist security operatives in locating the abductors and rescuing Mr. Owoade safely.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the victim, identified as a farmer, was abducted at his farm in Budo Aare. He assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.