Defense and Security
Police Confirm Abduction of 3 Cocoa Research 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, assuring that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
The incident reportedly occurred while the workers were inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday.
According to Ayanlade, the command immediately launched an operation following the report, with security operatives intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.
He said a manhunt had also been launched to track down the perpetrators and ensure they were brought to justice.
“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,” the statement read.
“Upon receiving the report, the command immediately commenced intensive efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice.”
The police spokesperson reassured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to resolve the situation.
He also urged anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels.
The abduction comes amid renewed concerns over kidnapping incidents in parts of the country.
In a separate incident, 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted in Imo State while travelling to their orientation camps in Abia State, were reportedly rescued on Friday, seven days after their abduction along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. Ten others had earlier escaped from their abductors through the bush.