Fear has resurfaced across Oyo State following the abduction of Matthew Owoade, a 60-year-old primary school headmaster, by suspected gunmen. The distressing incident, which occurred in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area, comes barely 24 hours after schoolchildren and teachers previously kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area were successfully rescued, raising urgent questions about security in the region.
Mr. Owoade, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, and a prominent member of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was reportedly seized around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. He was ambushed while returning home from his farm in Budo Aare, also within Itesiwaju Local Government Area. His abductors have since contacted his family, demanding a substantial N30 million ransom for his release.
Union Confirms Abduction, Calls for Action
The Oyo State NUT secretary, Salami Olukayode, confirmed the distressing incident on Monday. Speaking to reporters, Olukayode stated that the union has initiated steps to secure Mr. Owoade’s freedom. “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,” he elaborated.
Abiola Owoade, the victim’s son, recounted that his father was intercepted by the attackers along his usual route and taken to an undisclosed location. He confirmed that the kidnappers used his father’s mobile phone to establish contact and relay their ransom demand. Community members launched a search operation, leading to the discovery of Mr. Owoade’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush on Sunday morning, offering a grim clue to the incident.
Renewed Security Fears Grips Rural Communities
Mr. Owoade’s abduction has reignited profound concerns regarding the safety of educators and residents, particularly in Oyo State’s rural areas. This incident starkly contrasts with the recent success of security operations that led to the liberation of previously abducted pupils and teachers, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities.
Family members, professional colleagues, and concerned residents of Itesiwaju have collectively appealed to various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify their efforts. They urge these bodies to work tirelessly towards the headmaster’s safe and unconditional release.
Attempts to reach the Oyo State Police Command for official comment, including calls to the Commissioner of Police and the spokesperson, remained unanswered at the time of this report.