The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, with security operatives launching a manhunt to rescue the victims and arrest the kidnappers.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Friday.
The victims were reportedly abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
According to the police, intensive operations began immediately after the incident was reported, as security operatives moved to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The Command assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release and protect lives and property across the state.
It also urged members of the public with credible information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency channels.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the abducted staff members and further details surrounding the incident had not been disclosed.
