The abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Matthew Owoade, has regained his freedom after a sustained security operation forced his abductors to abandon him.

Owoade, who also engages in farming, was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted his family and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday night, July 13, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said security operatives immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation upon receiving information about the incident.

According to him, the sustained pressure mounted by the joint security team compelled the kidnappers to flee, leaving the victim behind.

"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 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 police spokesperson disclosed that Owoade has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. He added that after receiving medical care, the victim would be debriefed by investigators to aid ongoing efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the crime.

Olayinka further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the unwavering support and cooperation of other security agencies, community members and residents throughout the operation.

The Commissioner reassured residents of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven in Oyo State.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities.