Three people, including two employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), have been abducted from the institute’s facility in the Idi-Ayunre area of Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while the workers inspected crops on a farm within the institute’s premises during office hours.
The victims were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, head of CRIN’s Central Nursery, and Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent. The third victim is an unidentified man who resides in the institute’s SS Quarters but is not a member of staff.
However, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it had launched a manhunt to track down the abductors and rescue the victims. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said tactical teams were pursuing leads to locate the perpetrators and secure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security operatives. Residents with relevant information were advised to contact the police through official emergency channels or report to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦120 million for the release of the three victims.
The latest abduction has raised fresh concerns about security at the research institute, which has reportedly experienced similar incidents in March and May this year.
The police have yet to announce the rescue of the victims as efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure their release continue.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
