Gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Budo Aare, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, and are demanding N30 million for his release.
The victim, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, coming just days after security agencies secured the release of more than 40 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped in the same local government area.
Speaking on Monday, the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said his 60-year-old father was abducted between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, while travelling back from his farm in Budo Aare.
According to him, the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the abduction using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million as ransom.
“The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area,” Abiola said.
“Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers called the family through my father’s phone and demanded N30 million before they would release him.”
He added that local residents immediately began searching for the victim.
According to him, the search team made a significant discovery on Sunday morning when they found the victim’s motorcycle abandoned inside a bush.
“At about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, a search team recovered his motorcycle abandoned in the bush,” he said.
The family said the discovery confirmed fears that the headmaster had been forcefully taken away by his abductors.
Abiola appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue his father and ensure his safe return.
He specifically called on 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, as well as local hunters and vigilante groups to work together to rescue the school headmaster.
He urged the security agencies to act quickly before the situation worsens.
The abduction has also thrown the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government into mourning.
Colleagues of the victim and other education stakeholders described the incident as painful, noting that Owoade is a respected teacher who has spent years serving children in rural communities.
Many residents said they are worried that attacks on teachers and other public servants could discourage people from working in remote areas where their services are badly needed.
The incident is the latest in a series of kidnapping cases reported in Oyo State and other parts of the country, where criminals have increasingly targeted farmers, travellers, community leaders and school workers for ransom.
The latest abduction comes just days after a major success recorded by security agencies in the same local government area.
Last Friday, joint security forces rescued more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers who had spent 56 days in captivity after being kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle.
Their abduction attracted widespread condemnation across the country and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools, especially those located in rural communities.
Following weeks of intensive search operations involving the military, police, DSS, Amotekun, NSCDC and local vigilantes, the pupils and teachers were eventually rescued unharmed on July 10, bringing relief to their families and residents of the affected communities.
The fresh kidnapping of another education worker has, however, raised fears that criminal groups may still be active in the area despite the recent rescue operation.
Residents have called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance across vulnerable communities and increase patrols along rural roads to prevent further attacks.
Many also urged the authorities to provide additional security around schools and farming communities, where many teachers and residents travel daily.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained one of Nigeria’s major security challenges in recent years, with victims ranging from students and teachers to traditional rulers, businessmen and travellers.
Although security agencies have recorded successes in rescuing victims and arresting suspects in several cases, many communities continue to live under the fear of attacks by armed criminal groups.
When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.
He said the police were aware of the abduction and had commenced investigations.
Although he did not disclose details of the ongoing operation, the police spokesman assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue the victim and bring those responsible to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnapped headmaster remained in captivity, while security agencies continued efforts to locate him and secure his safe release.