The 60-year-old abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mathew Kolawole Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, has regained his freedom after spending 48 hours in captivity.
According to available information as at press time, the kidnapped headmaster was released at about 6pm on Monday.
Though the kidnappers had initially demanded a ₦30 million ransom, the family was said to have succeeded in reducing it to ₦3 million, which the abductors initially accepted.
After the family had raised ₦3 million, the kidnappers allegedly increased the demand to ₦5 million.
The family was said to have paid the ₦5 million ransom before Owoade was eventually released near the Ajebamidele community.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the release of the headmaster, who was described as a farmer in a statement late on Monday.
According to the spokesperson of the command and a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the victim, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye-Budo Aare Road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026, was freed on July 13, 2026.
Ayanlade said in the statement: “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.
“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.
“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.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, appreciates the unwavering support and cooperation of other security agencies, community members, and all well-meaning citizens throughout the operation.
“He reassures 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.”
