A headmaster who was kidnapped by gunmen in Oyo State has regained his freedom two days after his abduction, bringing relief to his family and the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Matthew Kolawale Owoade, 60, headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, was abducted on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Budo Aare.
Shortly after the attack, the kidnappers contacted his family and demanded ₦30 million for his release.
His son, Abiola Owoade, earlier said, "The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area."
He added, "Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim's mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release."
The family appealed to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, hunters and local vigilantes to help secure his release.
On Monday, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that Owoade had regained his freedom.
Police spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso said, "The victim has been released and reunited with his family."
He added that efforts were continuing to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction, saying, "Investigation is ongoing to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice."
The kidnapping came just days after security forces rescued dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent nearly two months in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Authorities said no ransom was paid in that operation, describing it as the result of sustained security efforts.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, where residents have urged security agencies to strengthen patrols and protect farmers, schools and rural communities from criminal attacks.
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