Three employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom six days after they were abducted by armed men while working on a farm within the institute’s premises.
The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and another employee known as Nelson. They were reportedly kidnapped last Thursday when armed men stormed the farm at about 1pm.
The abductors were said to have taken the three workers to an undisclosed location following the attack.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim before allegedly reducing the ransom demand to ₦50 million for all three workers during negotiations.
The victims reportedly regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the rescue but did not disclose whether any ransom was paid to secure their release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies were continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The rescue comes amid renewed concerns over kidnapping and other security challenges in parts of Oyo State.
Security agencies are expected to continue efforts to track down the suspected kidnappers and strengthen security around vulnerable communities and facilities across the state.
