Summary: Gunmen have abducted four cocoa farmers during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan. Police rescue one victim as search operations continue.
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the agricultural community, six armed men have kidnapped four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Attack
According to reports gathered by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the victims were at the prestigious research institute for a familiarisation visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
An eyewitness who narrowly escaped the attack recounted the terrifying moments when the armed men emerged from the surrounding bush. The gunmen ambushed the farmers’ vehicle as they were heading to the Nursing Section of the institute, catching them completely off guard.
Police Response and Rescue Efforts
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and swung into action immediately. DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s spokesperson, disclosed to newsmen in Ibadan that one of the four kidnapped victims has already been successfully rescued, with his vehicle also recovered.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Femi Haruna, has taken the matter seriously, deploying the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre.
According to Olayinka, security operatives have launched intensive bush combing operations across the area to locate and rescue the remaining three victims. The rescued victim is currently in safe custody, undergoing debriefing to provide crucial information that may aid the ongoing rescue mission.
“Efforts are on to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,” the police spokesperson assured the public.
Growing Security Concerns
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing farmers and agricultural workers in Nigeria, particularly those operating in semi-rural areas. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, a critical facility for the country’s cocoa industry, should ordinarily be a safe environment for farmers seeking to improve their knowledge and practices.
As security forces continue their search and rescue operations, families of the victims and the wider agricultural community anxiously await positive news about the safe return of the remaining three farmers.
This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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