Matthew Owoade, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, who was abducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has regained his freedom. Owoade, who also works as a farmer, was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road.
Kidnappers demanded N30 million ransom
The abductors contacted the victim's family and demanded N30 million for his release. The Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday night, July 13, 2026. According to Olayinka, security operatives intensified their efforts immediately after receiving information about the abduction.
Sustained operation forced kidnappers to abandon victim
Olayinka stated that the sustained operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim. “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on 13 July 2026 regarding the abduction of a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on 12 July 2026,” the statement read. “Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the Command, 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.”
Victim taken to medical facility for evaluation
The police spokesperson added that the victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. “Upon completion of medical attention, he will be debriefed by investigators as part of the ongoing investigation aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those responsible for the criminal act,” Olayinka said.
Commissioner of Police appreciates support, reassures public
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support and cooperation of other security agencies, community members, and all well-meaning citizens throughout the operation. He reassured residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Oyo State. “The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that will aid ongoing security operations,” the statement concluded.
