The abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Matthew Owoade, has regained his freedom following sustained pressure mounted on his captors by security operatives.
Owoade, who is also a farmer, was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road on July 12, 2026. Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted his family and demanded a ransom of N30 million.
Confirming his release in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said a coordinated security operation was launched immediately after the incident was reported.
According to him, the sustained operational and investigative efforts forced the abductors to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13.
“The intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of 13 July 2026,” Olayinka stated.
He disclosed that Owoade had been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment and would be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention.
The police spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the support of other security agencies, community members and residents during the operation.
He also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid security operations.
