Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, who were abducted by gunmen from the institute’s farm, have regained their freedom.
The rescued workers were identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and another employee known as Nelson.
The trio were reportedly kidnapped last Thursday when armed men stormed the farm within the institute’s premises at about 1 p.m.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦40 million for each victim before the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦50 million for all three workers following negotiations.
The abductees were said to have regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives reportedly located them in a bush.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Command said the workers had been rescued 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 still working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
He added that efforts were ongoing to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of workers and the security of facilities in parts of Oyo State.
