An Oyo State headmaster and farmer, Mr. Matthew Owoade, has safely regained his freedom after intense pressure from joint security forces compelled his abductors to abandon him.
Owoade, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye (Itesiwaju LGA), was abducted over the weekend along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road on Saturday, July 11. Following his kidnap, the abductors had contacted his family to demand a steep ₦30 million ransom.
According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, security operatives launched a coordinated response immediately after the abduction was reported.
The state command deployed a joint security team to launch a sustained search-and-rescue operation in the area. The relentless operational and investigative pressure proved too much for the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon Owoade in the bush and flee.
“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.
“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, psc, mnips, 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.”