Ibadan cocoa farmers abduction: Police rescue two

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two victims and arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction of representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 12:23 p.m., when armed men reportedly attacked the CRIN nursery site in Idi-Ayunre and abducted the victims.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka 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.

The police spokesperson 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 Oyo 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.

In case of emergencies, the police advised the public to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre via the toll-free line 615 or reach the command control room through 08081768614 and 07055495413.