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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers yesterday abducted four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan , triggering a swift security response by police authorities in Oyo State.
However, one victim has been rescued by the police while three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
According to reports, the victims were part of a group visiting the institute for a familiarisation exercise when the incident occurred. One of the farmers who escaped narrated that the attackers, numbering about six, suddenly emerged from a nearby bush and intercepted their vehicle as they were heading towards the Nursing Section of the institute.
The attack caused panic within the area as the assailants took away four of the occupants into the forest.
Confirming the incident, Oyo state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said,security operatives had already made progress in the rescue effort.
He disclosed that one of the abducted victims had been successfully rescued, while the victim’s vehicle had also been recovered.
Ayanlade further revealed that the police have arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction of the victims.
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The incident occurred yesterday at about 12:23 p.m. when armed men reportedly attacked the CRIN nursery site in Idi-Ayunre and abducted the victims.
Ayanlade, said the victims were representatives of the Ogun State chapter of the association who had visited the institute to submit their annual cocoa seedling collections for the 2026 planting season.
According to him, security operatives swung into action immediately after receiving a distress call, mobilising a joint response team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups, and the Amotekun Corps.
“The prompt and decisive response of the security operatives led to the successful rescue of two male victims, while three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently in police custody,” Ayanlade stated.
He added that coordinated pursuit operations were launched immediately, with security teams moving into surrounding areas to track down the attackers.
He noted that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim or victims, as operatives intensify bush-combing operations and sustain pressure on fleeing members of the gang.
The command reassured residents of the state of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant.
It also called on residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence that could aid in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
