Barely 24 hours after the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, suspected gunmen have demanded a ₦30 million ransom for the release of Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Mr. Owoade was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Igbojaye, a community in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. His motorcycle was later discovered abandoned in a nearby bush, raising fears that he had been forcibly taken away by his abductors.
Sources within the community disclosed that the kidnappers have now established contact with the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦30 million before he can regain his freedom.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the resurgence of kidnapping in parts of Oke-Ogun, despite ongoing security operations aimed at tackling criminal activities across the region.
The abduction comes barely a day after security forces secured the release of dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent weeks in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that had raised hopes of improved security across the state.
Oduduwa News had exclusively reported the abduction of the headmaster on Sunday, revealing that he was whisked away by armed men while returning home from his farm in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the ransom demand or ongoing efforts to rescue the victim.
Residents have appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Mr. Owoade’s safe release and strengthen security across the Oke-Ogun zone to prevent further attacks.