Gunmen abduct three Cocoa Institute workers in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, as security operatives intensify efforts to rescue them.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, saying a manhunt had been launched to track down the abductors.

He said the command began rescue operations immediately after receiving the report, adding that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release and arrest those responsible.

“The Oyo State Police Command confirms a kidnapping incident involving three staff members of the CRIN, who were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises,” Ayanlade said.

He urged anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency channels.

The incident comes amid continued concerns over kidnapping in parts of the country.

In a separate incident, 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were abducted while travelling to their orientation camps in Abia State regained their freedom on Friday, according to reports. The group had been travelling from Oyo State in two buses when they were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.