3 Abducted CRIN Workers Regain Freedom After Six Days In Captivity

By Victoria Isaac 

Three employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, have regained their freedom six days after armed men abducted them from a farm within the institute’s premises in Oyo State.

The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and Nelson, another employee of the institute. They were reportedly abducted last Thursday when the gunmen stormed the farm at about 1pm.

The assailants subsequently took the workers to an undisclosed location, while efforts to secure their release continued.

Sources familiar with the incident said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim before reportedly reducing their demand to ₦50 million for all 3 employees during negotiations.

The victims were reportedly rescued in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the rescue and said security agencies were continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

However, the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any ransom was paid, remained unclear.

The incident adds to security concerns over kidnapping in parts of Oyo State, particularly around vulnerable locations where workers and residents may be exposed to attacks.

Efforts are expected to continue to track down the suspected abductors and strengthen security around the institute and surrounding communities.