Police confirm abduction of three cocoa research workers in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

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 apprehend 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 Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday. According to the police, the command immediately launched an operation following the report, with security operatives working to secure the victims’ safe release.

“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 said.

Ayanlade added that a manhunt had been launched for the perpetrators, while operational efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted workers and bring those responsible to justice.

The police also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing operation.

“The command reassures the public that every necessary effort is being made to resolve the situation and urges anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels,” the statement added.

The abduction comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping incidents in parts of the country, including the recent abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to their orientation camps in Abia State.