Oyo headmaster released after police pressure on kidnappers

The headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Matthew Owoade, is free after being kidnapped by gunmen. He regained his freedom on Monday evening, just two days after the abduction.

The Oyo State Police Command said they worked hard to pressure the kidnappers through a well-planned security operation. This news comes less than 24 hours after PREMIUM TIMES reported the kidnapping, which happened soon after schoolchildren and teachers were released in nearby Oriire Local Government Area after being held for 56 days.

In a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Ayanlade Olayinka, said security teams acted quickly after they learned about the kidnapping. They intensified their efforts right away.

He explained that the ongoing operation made the kidnappers leave Mr Owoade behind. “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,” he said.

The police reported that Mr Owoade was taken to a hospital for medical checks and treatment before being questioned by investigators. “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 command added.

A separate video showed the happy moment when Mr Owoade reunited with his family and community members. It was a joyous scene as they welcomed him back.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, praised other security agencies and community members for their support during the rescue efforts. He promised residents that the police will keep working hard against criminal groups in the state.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Oyo State,” he said.

Security agencies confirmed that investigations into Mr Owoade’s kidnapping are still ongoing. Efforts are being made to find and arrest those responsible.