The Police Command in Oyo State has confirmed the abduction of a Headmaster, Mr Matthew Owoade, 60, in Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction in a text message sent to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.
According to Ayanlade, Owoade, the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School (NBS), Ogodu, Igbojaye in Itesiwaju was reportedly abducted at 6:00 p.m., on Saturday , while returning from his farm at Budo Aare.
He confirmed that efforts were ongoing to rescue the headmaster and apprehend those behind the abduction.
“The victims son, Mr Abiola Owoade explained that the gunmen intercepted and whisked his father away to an unknown destination
“The son further said that the abductors had contacted the family and demanded for N30 million ransom.” the police spokesperson said.
NUT raises concern over abduction of Oyo headmaster, seeks urgent rescue
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has expressed concern over the abduction of a primary school headmaster in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, calling for his immediate rescue.
The Chairman and Secretary of the union, Mr Fatai Hassan and Mr Salami Olukayode, respectively, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.
The union identified the victim as Mr M.K. Owoade, Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, who was reportedly abducted by gunmen while working on his farm at about 5:00 p.m., on Saturday.
According to the statement, the incident was brought to the attention of the state leadership of the union through an urgent report from its Itesiwaju Local Government branch.
The union described the incident as disturbing, saying it highlighted the growing security challenges confronting teachers and other education workers across the country.
It urged the Federal Government, the Oyo state government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted headmaster and strengthen security in schools and communities.
The union also expressed solidarity with the Owoade family, colleagues and pupils, while praying for his safe return.
It further appealed to its members to remain vigilant in view of the prevailing security situation.
The union prayed for God’s protection over all citizens and for the safe release of the abducted headmaster.