Ibadan: Cocoa farmers abducted by gunmen

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Wednesday abducted four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.

The victims were said to be visiting the institute for a familiarisation exercise when the incident occurred, raising fresh concerns over security within the agrarian community.

A survivor who escaped the attack recounted that the assailants, numbering about six, emerged suddenly from the bush and intercepted their vehicle while they were heading towards the Nursing Section of the institute.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident, noting that security operatives had already swung into action.

According to him, one of the abducted victims has been rescued, while the victim’s vehicle was also recovered during the initial response by security personnel.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Femi Haruna, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other tactical teams, to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Idi-Ayunre,” Olayinka said.
He added that operatives have commenced an intensive bush combing operation in a bid to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining victims.

“The rescued victim is in safe custody and undergoing debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to rescue others and apprehend the perpetrators,” he stated.
The incident is the latest in a string of security breaches targeting farmers and rural communities, further highlighting the vulnerability of agricultural hubs to criminal activities.