Oyo NUT has called for the immediate rescue of abducted headmaster Kolawale Owoade after gunmen kidnapped him in Itesiwaju and demanded N30 million ransom.
The Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of a primary school headmaster in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his immediate release.
The victim, Mr. Kolawale Mathew Owoade, 60, is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
He was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday, July 11, 2026, while returning from his farmland at Budo Aare.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, the union described the incident as a disturbing development that highlights the growing security threats confronting teachers and education workers across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Fatai Ajibola, and the State Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
According to the union, information about the incident was first communicated to the state leadership through an emergency report from the NUT branch in Itesiwaju Local Government.
The union noted that the abduction has generated fear among teachers and residents in the area, stressing that educators should be able to carry out their responsibilities without living under the constant threat of violence or criminal attacks.
According to information made available by the victim’s family, Mr. Owoade was abducted between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday as he was making his way home from his farm.
His son, Abiola Owoade, disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release.
The following morning, relatives and local residents who launched a search reportedly discovered the headmaster’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush, heightening fears over his safety.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives have commenced investigations and are working to rescue the victim alive while tracking down those responsible for the crime.
Family members have also appealed to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, to work together to ensure the safe return of the abducted educator.
The teachers’ union called on the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency by deploying every available resource to rescue the headmaster and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
According to the NUT, the rising wave of kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens, including teachers, poses a serious threat to education and public safety.
The union warned that unless decisive action is taken, insecurity could continue to disrupt teaching activities and discourage educators from serving in rural communities.
While expressing solidarity with Mr. Owoade’s family, colleagues, pupils, and the entire education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, the union urged its members to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times.
The NUT also offered prayers for the safe and speedy return of the abducted headmaster, expressing hope that ongoing rescue efforts would produce positive results.
It further prayed for God’s protection over teachers and all Nigerians as security agencies continue operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The union added that the outcome of the rescue operation will serve as an important test of the commitment of security agencies to combating kidnapping and restoring public confidence in the country’s security system.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has raised concern over the abduction of a primary school headmaster in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
The union disclosed that Mr. M.K. Owoade, the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, was reportedly kidnapped on his farmland on Saturday 11th July, 2026 at around 5pm.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
According to the statement, the incident was brought to the attention of the state leadership by the NUT Itesiwaju Local Government branch through an urgent notice issued to its members.
The union described the development as disturbing and another reminder of the growing security challenges facing teachers and education workers across the country.
The NUT leadership called on government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate rescue of the abducted headmaster and ensuring the safety of teachers and all citizens within the communities and their workplaces.
While expressing solidarity with the family, colleagues, and pupils of the victim, the union prayed for his safe return and urged members to remain vigilant.
The union prayed that God would protect citizens from insecurity and grant the abducted headmaster a quick and safe return.
E-signed:
Com. Hassan Fatai Ajibola,
Chairman, Oyo NUT
Com. Salami Olukayode,
Secretary,
Oyo NUT,
JULY 13, 2026.
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