A headmaster abducted by gunmen in Oyo State has regained his freedom after spending two days in captivity.
The victim, 60-year-old Matthew Kolawale Owoade, is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. He was kidnapped on Saturday while returning from his farm in Budo Aare.
According to members of his family, the kidnappers later contacted them through the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
Following the abduction, the family appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups, to intensify efforts to rescue him.
Confirming his release on Monday, the Oyo State Police Command said Owoade had safely reunited with his family.
Police spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the victim had been released and that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the abduction.
The incident occurred only days after security operatives rescued dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent nearly two months in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Authorities said the victims were freed through sustained security operations without the payment of ransom.
Owoade’s abduction and subsequent release have once again drawn attention to security challenges in parts of Oyo State, with residents calling for increased patrols and stronger protection for schools, farmers and rural communities.
