Gunmen kidnap 4 cocoa farmers in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

Four cocoa farmers have been abducted by suspected gunmen at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday when six armed men emerged from the bush and intercepted the victims’ vehicle as they were heading to the institute’s nursing section.

The victims were said to be on a familiarisation visit at the time of the attack.

A farmer who escaped the attack said the gunmen struck suddenly, taking the group by surprise.

Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that one of the kidnapped victims has been rescued, and his vehicle recovered.

Reacting to the situation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, ordered that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams intensify their operation in the area.

He further assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.