Gunmen Kidnap 60-Year-Old Oyo Headmaster, Demand ₦30 Million Ransom

Suspected gunmen have abducted the 60-year-old Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, and are reportedly demanding ₦30 million for his release.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the headmaster was returning home from his farm.

Speaking on the incident, the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said his father was abducted while travelling back from his farm in the Budo Aare area.

He said:

“The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area.

“Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

“However, at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team recovered his motorcycle abandoned in the bush.”

The abduction comes just days after 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, regained their freedom.

The victims were rescued unharmed by a joint team of security agencies on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.