BREAKING: Oyo headmaster regains freedom from captivity after N5m ransom payment

The 60-year-old abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Mathew Kolawole Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, has regained his freedom after spending 48 hours in captivity.

The headmaster was released at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The kidnappers had initially demanded a N30 million ransom.

However, it was gathered that following negotiations, the family succeeded in reducing the ransom demand to N3 million, which the abductors initially accepted.

After the family had raised the N3 million, the kidnappers allegedly increased the demand to ₦5 million.

The family was said to have paid the N5 million ransom before Mr. Owoade was eventually released near the Ajebamidele community.

The headmaster has reportedly reunited with his family.

In a video seen by IntelRegion, the headmaster waved to supporters who had gathered to welcome him following his release.

Confirming the release, the Oyo State Police Command noted that the victim was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on 12 July 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said 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 victim had 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.”

BREAKING: Oyo headmaster regains freedom from captivity after N5m ransom payment

Comments (0)

More to Read

We Won’t Follow Atiku’s Path – APC Campaign Council Reacts To ‘Bola’ Remark

All Set for 2026 Youth Leadership Summit as NYC Oyo Chapter Announces Planning Committee

INEC Final List: Akinwale Olusayo Michael Congratulates KTJ, Elege, Other ADP Candidates Ahead of 2027 Elections

Stop Blaming Us – APC Tackles PDP Over Adebutu’s Exclusion From INEC List

CRIN Abduction: ‘Stop Toying With Our Lives,’ Mogaji Alawode Challenges Makinde Over Oyo Insecurity

Lagos Hoodlums Attack Army Officer, Wife, Steal ₦300,000

OKANLOMO OODUA, CHIEF JUBRIL DOTUN SANUSI HOSTS SUNDAY IGBOHO, COMMENDS IRU EKUN SECURITY OPERATIVES

Police Arrest Five Men Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts In Borno