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Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster less than 24 hours after gunmen demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release.
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Commissioner of Police says coordinated security pressure forced kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee.
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Nigerians hail the swift rescue but demand the arrest, prosecution and public parade of the fleeing suspects.
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Latest rescue comes days after security forces freed abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, raising fresh debate over Oyo’s security challenges.
July 14, (THEWILL) — The rescue of Mr Matthew Kolawale Owoade, the abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens praising the swift intervention by security agencies while calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the kidnappers.
The Oyo Police Command announced on Monday that the 60-year-old headmaster regained his freedom on the evening of Sunday, July 13, barely 24 hours after he was abducted by armed men along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road.
According to the Command, a coordinated operation involving security agencies mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victim and flee before they could collect the ransom they had demanded.
The development comes barely days after security operatives rescued dozens of pupils and teachers kidnapped during the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, reinforcing ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes in Oyo State.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations were immediately activated after the abduction was reported.
“The intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026”, the police spokesman stated.
The Command described the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies and members of the public.
Kidnappers Had Demanded ₦30 Million Ransom
THEWILL recalls that Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye”, was kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Budo Aare.
According to his son, Mr Abiola Owoade, the gunmen intercepted the veteran teacher between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. before whisking him away to an unknown destination.
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million as ransom for his release.
The incident threw the Igbojaye community into panic, while colleagues, residents and family members appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to ensure his safe return.
A search team later recovered the victim’s motorcycle, abandoned in a nearby bush, heightening fears over his safety before security operatives eventually secured his freedom.
Victim Receiving Medical Care, Police Intensify Investigation
The police said the rescued headmaster has been taken to a medical facility for a comprehensive medical evaluation and necessary treatment following the traumatic experience.
According to the command, investigators will debrief him after his medical examination to obtain vital information that could assist ongoing efforts to identify the kidnappers, dismantle their network and bring them to justice.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the military, sister security agencies, local vigilantes, community leaders and residents whose cooperation contributed to the success of the operation.
He assured residents that the command would not relent until every member of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction was apprehended and prosecuted.
Olugbenga also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible intelligence to assist security agencies in preventing and combating crime.
He advised residents to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Police Command Control Room via 08081768614 and 07055495413.
Nigerians Praise Rescue, Demand Arrest Of Kidnappers
The police update quickly dominated conversations on X, Facebook and other social media platforms, where many Nigerians applauded the speed of the rescue operation.
One X user, @obelehenry101, questioned why the identities of the kidnappers had not been made public, posting: “How far the perpetrators?”
Another user, @chimaigwe500, while expressing gratitude over the victim’s freedom, wrote: “Thank God he is back safely, but the kidnappers must not be allowed to escape.”
Echoing similar sentiments, another commenter said, “Good job by the police. Now arrest everyone involved and prosecute them.”
Some Nigerians argued that the successful rescue should not overshadow the disturbing frequency of kidnappings in the state.
“Rescue operations are commendable, but the real victory is preventing these kidnappings from happening in the first place,” another social media user wrote.
Others called for tougher sanctions against kidnappers.
“Parade the suspects and let justice be done. Nigerians want to see criminals punished, not just victims rescued,” another commenter posted.
Several users also commended the improved collaboration among the police, the military, the DSS and local intelligence networks, describing the operation as evidence that coordinated security efforts can produce quick results when effectively deployed.
Fresh Security Concerns
Although the rescue has been widely welcomed, the incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Oyo State, particularly rural communities where farmers, teachers and other residents have increasingly become targets of kidnappers.
The latest incident occurred only days after the Federal Government announced the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
Security analysts say the latest developments underscore both the growing threat posed by kidnappers and the need for sustained intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal gangs operating across the state’s rural communities.
For residents of Igbojaye and neighbouring communities, the safe return of Owoade has brought immense relief. However, many insist that lasting victory will only be achieved when those behind the abduction are arrested, prosecuted and prevented from targeting more innocent Nigerians.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
