Gunmen have kidnapped four cocoa farmers at a research institute in Ibadan, with police confirming one victim has been rescued.
Gunmen have kidnapped four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The attack occurred on March 18, 2026, when six armed men reportedly emerged from the bush and intercepted the victims’ vehicle.
Sources said some of the victims were at the institute for a familiarisation visit when the gunmen struck.
A farmer who escaped said the attackers ambushed them while they were heading toward the Nursing Section of the facility.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident.
He disclosed that one of the abducted victims had been rescued, while the victim’s vehicle was also recovered.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to reinforce security in the area.
Police operatives have launched intensive bush-combing operations to track down the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victims.
According to the police, the rescued victim is in safe custody and undergoing debriefing.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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