A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, has been abducted by suspected gunmen, who are demanding a ₦30 million ransom for his release.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. while the victim was returning from his farm at Budo Aare in Itesiwaju LGA.
According to his son, Mr. Owoade Abiola, the assailants intercepted and whisked his father away to an unknown destination.
The abductors were said to have contacted the family shortly after the incident using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million as ransom.
A search party later recovered Mr. Kolawale’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, raising concerns over his whereabouts.
The abduction has thrown the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government into anxiety, with family members, colleagues and residents calling on 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 to rescue the headmaster unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the rescue operation while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives had launched an investigation and were working to apprehend the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted headmaster.