KEY POINTS

• Four people kidnapped at Cocoa Research Institute, Ibadan; one rescued.

• Oyo State Police conducting intensive operations to locate remaining victims and arrest perpetrators.

• Rescued victim in safe custody and providing intelligence to aid the investigation.

Four individuals were abducted by unknown gunmen on Wednesday at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, located in the Oluyole local government area of Oyo State.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the nursery section of the cocoa institute, where they overpowered staff and visitors before forcibly taking some individuals. The incident has sparked fear and concern among residents and workers at the research facility, highlighting the continuing security challenges in parts of southwestern Nigeria.

The Oyo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to Daily Post. In a statement, Ayanlade said that one of the four kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued and is currently under police custody for debriefing. Law enforcement authorities have launched an intensive operation to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other tactical teams, to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer at Idi-Ayunre Division and other operatives. They are conducting an ongoing bush combing operation to track down the abductors,” Ayanlade stated.

Rescue efforts and victim safety

The rescued victim’s vehicle has also been recovered at the cocoa institute, and authorities are gathering intelligence from the individual to aid in locating the remaining kidnapped persons. Police have reassured the public that every possible measure is being taken to ensure the safe return of the victims.

The security agencies are coordinating closely with local communities and utilizing both ground and aerial reconnaissance where possible to increase the chances of a successful rescue.

This kidnapping incident at the cocoa house adds to a growing list of security challenges faced by residents of Ibadan and surrounding areas, including armed robbery, communal clashes, and occasional violent crime.

Authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation from the public, advising residents to report suspicious activity promptly. Security officials have also emphasized the importance of not spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing rescue operations.