Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.
The victims, identified as agricultural superintendents Eunice Babalola and Kehinde Gbalajobi, alongside a man known as Nelson, returned to the institute on Wednesday, October 14, following efforts by security operatives to secure their release.
Armed men abducted the three victims around 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, when they invaded a farm and the Senior Staff Quarters and Central Nursery areas within the institute’s premises. The attackers reportedly took the victims to an undisclosed location, triggering security efforts to locate them and secure their freedom.
Reports indicated that security operatives eventually traced the victims to a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton, where they secured their release in the early hours of Wednesday. The three men returned to CRIN around 1 p.m. and reunited with their families.
However, reports surrounding their release indicated that negotiations and a ransom payment played a role in securing their freedom. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim, amounting to ₦120 million, before reportedly accepting ₦50 million.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the victims’ release but did not publicly establish all the circumstances surrounding the reported ransom payment.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies were working to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of workers and residents around research facilities and farming communities in the state. Meanwhile, Security agencies are expected to continue their efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent similar attacks.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
