Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man, Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawole, in Igboyaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Ransom demand and immediate response
According to the victim’s family, the kidnappers contacted them shortly after the incident using Mr. Kolawole’s mobile phones and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release. Speaking on the incident, the victim’s son, Mr. Owoade Abiola, said security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups, were immediately alerted.
Search operation and discovery
A joint search operation was launched and continued throughout the night, but the victim was not found. However, at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, the search team recovered Mr. Kolawole’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush, raising further concerns about his whereabouts.
Family appeal for intensified efforts
The family has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victim’s safe release and ensure those responsible for the abduction are apprehended and brought to justice.
