Abducted Oyo headmaster Mathew Owoade regains freedom after 48 hours in captivity as police intensify investigations to arrest the kidnappers.
Relief swept through Igbojaye community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday evening after the abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Mr. Mathew Kolawole Owoade, regained his freedom following nearly two days in captivity.
The 60-year-old educationist, popularly known by residents as Onaiye, was released around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, ending an ordeal that had sparked widespread concern among teachers, family members, community leaders, and residents across the local government area.
Owoade was reportedly abducted on Saturday, July 12, while travelling along the isolated Igbojaye–Budo Aare Road.
The incident heightened fears over insecurity in rural communities, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security presence and improved surveillance on major access roads.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for the victim’s release.
Family members reportedly entered into negotiations with the abductors, eventually persuading them to reduce the demand to ₦3 million.
However, after the family had succeeded in raising the agreed amount, the kidnappers allegedly changed their position and increased the ransom to ₦5 million.
According to local sources, the family eventually paid the higher amount before the headmaster was released near the Ajebamidele community.
Although security authorities did not comment on the reported ransom payment, residents expressed relief that the victim returned home alive after the traumatic experience.
The abduction had generated widespread reactions, particularly within the education sector.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, had earlier condemned the incident and appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe return of the headmaster while strengthening security around schools and rural communities.
Read here: Oyo NUT demands immediate rescue of kidnapped headmaster in Itesiwaju
Late Monday, the Oyo State Police Command officially confirmed that Owoade had regained his freedom.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command explained that the victim was released following sustained pressure mounted on the abductors through coordinated security operations.
According to the statement, security agencies immediately launched a joint operation after receiving information about the kidnapping.
The command said continuous intelligence gathering and tactical operations forced the criminals to abandon the victim.
The police further revealed that Owoade has been taken to a medical facility, where he is receiving medical attention and undergoing routine evaluation following his release.
Authorities explained that after doctors certify him medically fit, investigators will interview him to obtain valuable information that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend everyone connected with the crime.
The command maintained that investigations remain active, adding that officers are pursuing every available lead to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the successful outcome of the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the combined efforts of security agencies, local vigilante groups, community members, and residents who provided useful information during the rescue operation.
He assured residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property across every part of the state, stressing that criminal elements would continue to face sustained pressure from security agencies.
The commissioner also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to security agencies.
According to him, timely intelligence from residents remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crimes and improving public safety.
The release of the headmaster has brought relief to his family, colleagues, pupils, and members of the Igbojaye community, many of whom had expressed fears over his safety since news of the abduction emerged.
Despite the positive development, the incident has once again drawn attention to growing security concerns in rural parts of Oyo State, particularly along bush roads frequently used by farmers, teachers, traders, and commuters.
Residents have renewed calls on government authorities and security agencies to increase patrols, deploy additional personnel to vulnerable communities, and strengthen collaboration with local vigilante groups to prevent future attacks.
As investigations continue, many residents hope those behind the kidnapping will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted, while additional security measures are introduced to restore confidence among people living and working in the affected communities.
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