Armed men on Wednesday abducted four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.
According to reports, some of the victims had visited the institute for a familiarisation exercise when the incident occurred. A farmer who escaped the attack said the assailants emerged from the bush and intercepted their vehicle while they were heading toward the institute’s Nursing Section.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said one of the abducted victims has been rescued, while his vehicle has also been recovered.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, has ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to support the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre.
Security operatives have since launched a coordinated bush-combing operation to locate the remaining victims. The rescued individual is currently in safe custody and undergoing debriefing.
“Efforts are on to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,” the police spokesperson stated.
