Gunmen Abduct Four Cocoa Farmers at Research Institute in Oyo State
In a brazen security breach, six armed gunmen have kidnapped four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, sending shockwaves through the agricultural community and highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Details of the Kidnapping Incident
According to information gathered by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the victims were at the institute for a familiarisation visit when the attack unfolded. A cocoa farmer who managed to escape the scene provided a harrowing account, stating that the gunmen suddenly emerged from the nearby bush and intercepted their vehicle as they were en route to the Nursing Section of the institute.
The swift and coordinated nature of the ambush left the farmers with little chance to react, underscoring the audacity of the perpetrators in targeting a research facility.
Police Response and Rescue Efforts
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, confirmed the incident to NAN on Wednesday in Ibadan. Olayinka reported that one of the four kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued, and his vehicle has been recovered by law enforcement authorities.
He further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Femi Haruna, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other tactical teams, to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre. This move aims to bolster security operations and facilitate the swift rescue of the remaining captives.
Ongoing Security Operations
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated that operatives have embarked on an intensive bush combing operation in the area to track down the kidnappers and locate the missing victims. The rescued victim is currently in safe custody and undergoing debriefing to gather critical intelligence that could aid in the ongoing efforts.
Olayinka emphasized, "Efforts are on to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators," reaffirming the commitment of the police to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The incident has prompted heightened vigilance among local farmers and residents, with many calling for increased security measures around agricultural and research facilities.
This kidnapping adds to a growing list of security concerns in Oyo State and across Nigeria, where farmers and rural communities often face threats from criminal elements. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria plays a vital role in advancing agricultural research and supporting cocoa production, making this attack particularly alarming for the sector's stakeholders.
