Oyo State headmaster Kolawale Owoade kidnapped, kidnappers demand N30 million ransom

A 60‑year‑old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Oyo State, Kolawale Mathew Owoade (known as “Onaiye”), was abducted on the evening of 11 July 2026 while returning from his farm in Budo Aare, Itesiwaju Local Government Area. The kidnappers contacted his son, Abiola Owoade, using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release. A search team recovered Owoade’s abandoned motorcycle in a bush on the morning of 12 July.

Abiola appealed to the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the regional Amotekun vigilante group, hunters and other security agencies for immediate rescue. Oyo State Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the kidnapping and said security operations were underway. The incident follows a recent rescue of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in May, who were freed unharmed on 10 July after 56 days in captivity. The Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Lagos State House of Assembly have condemned the abduction and called for stronger protection of educators.

Security agencies continue to investigate and seek the perpetrators as the community urges swift action to secure the headmaster’s safe return.