Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 60-year-old school headmaster, Mr Owoade Matthew Kolawole, has been abducted by armed bandits in Igboyaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, in an attack that has plunged the community into fear and left his family desperately awaiting his safe return. The abduction occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 11 July 2026, when the gunmen, who were heavily armed, struck while the victim was on his way home.
According to the victim's family, the kidnappers contacted them shortly after the incident, using Mr Kolawole's mobile phone, and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release. The family immediately alerted security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups, who launched a joint search operation that continued throughout the night. However, the victim was not found.
At about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, 12 July 2026, the search team recovered Mr Kolawole's abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush, raising further concerns about his whereabouts and safety. As of the time of this report, Mr Owoade Matthew Kolawole remains in captivity, and no official statement has been issued by security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding the abduction or ongoing rescue operations.
Mr Kolawole is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, and is popularly known as Onaiye. His abduction has sparked outrage among education stakeholders and community leaders, who have condemned the attack as a disturbing assault on education and community peace. In a statement issued on Sunday, they called for his immediate and unconditional release, urging the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing his safe rescue and ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
The abduction comes just weeks after the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers who were abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of the state on 15 May 2026 and held for 56 days before regaining their freedom on 10 July 2026. The latest incident has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity in Oyo State, particularly in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which has become a hideout for criminal gangs.
The family has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victim's safe release. Community leaders have also called on traditional rulers, religious organisations, youth groups, and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts. They have advised members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while avoiding the circulation of unverified information capable of jeopardising security operations. As the search for Mr Kolawole continues, his family and the entire community of Igboyaye are holding onto hope, praying for his safe return.
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