Armed men have abducted four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, with security operatives confirming that one of the victims has been rescued.
The attack occurred on Wednesday when the gunmen reportedly emerged from the bush and intercepted the victims’ vehicle while they were heading within the institute . Some of the victims were said to be on a familiarised visit at the time of the incident.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that security forces have launched an operation to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“Efforts are on to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
According to the police, the rescued victim has been taken into safe custody, while his vehicle has also been recovered.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, has since deployed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit alongside other tactical teams to the area, with operatives currently combing nearby forests in an intensified search operation.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down the attackers and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
