Fresh fears in Oyo as gunmen kidnap school headmaster

Fresh fears have gripped Oyo State, Nigeria, following the abduction of a 60-year-old primary school headmaster, Matthew Owoade. The incident occurred just 24 hours after schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area were rescued from a previous kidnapping.

Mr. Owoade, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, was reportedly seized around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. He was on his way home from his farm in Budo Aare when suspected gunmen intercepted him and took him to an unknown destination. His son, Abiola Owoade, confirmed that the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the abduction, demanding N30 million in ransom.

Oyo State NUT secretary, Salami Olukayode, confirmed the incident and stated that appropriate authorities, including the local police and government officials, have been notified. The union chairman in the affected local government has reported the case to the police headquarters and is coordinating efforts to reach the state government.

Community members found Mr. Owoade's abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush on Sunday morning, fueling concerns for his safety. This latest abduction has heightened anxieties regarding the security of educators and residents in rural areas, despite ongoing security operations aimed at curbing such criminal activities. Family members, colleagues, and residents are appealing to various security agencies, including the police, State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to intensify efforts for his safe and unconditional release.

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I just spoke with the union chairman in that local government who told me that they’ve reported to the police headquarters in that local government, the local government chairman, and putting up report to get across to the government on the issue.