Abducted Oyo headmaster regains freedom, Police

Oyo State Police have confirmed the release of headmaster Mathew Owoade, who was abducted on Saturday evening. The 60-year-old farmer and educator was taken along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

His freedom came after an intensive joint security operation was launched immediately following his abduction. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade stated that persistent investigative efforts and coordinated pressure from security operatives compelled the kidnappers to abandon Owoade on Monday evening.

"Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the command, the intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026," Ayanlade said in a statement.

Owoade has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment. Investigators will debrief him after his medical attention as part of an ongoing effort to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the cooperation of other security agencies, local community members, and residents during the rescue. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

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The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on July 13, 2026, regarding the abduction of a farmer, Mathew Owoade, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026. Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the command, the intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026.