Fresh security concerns have emerged in Oyo State following the abduction of Matthew Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, barely a day after kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA regained their freedom.
Mr Owoade, who is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was reportedly kidnapped around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday while returning home from his farm in Budo Aare. The gunmen allegedly contacted his family using his phone shortly after the abduction and demanded N30 million as ransom. Community members later found his abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State NUT Secretary, Salami Olukayode, said the case has been reported to the police, the local government chairman and relevant authorities to facilitate the headmaster’s rescue. Meanwhile, family members, colleagues and residents have appealed to the police, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his safe and unconditional release. As of the time of the report, the Oyo State Police Command had not responded to enquiries on the incident.