Oyo Police Launch Manhunt, Begin Rescue Operation at Cocoa Research Institute
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, assuring that efforts are underway to rescue them.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Friday, saying the victims were reportedly abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
He said the command launched an intensive operation after receiving the report and had begun a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers.
The police urged anyone with credible information that could assist the rescue operation to contact the nearest police station or use the command’s emergency channels.
The incident follows two previous abductions at the institute this year. On March 18, four members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria were kidnapped while visiting CRIN’s nursery to collect cocoa seedlings. They were later released.
On May 19, two CRIN staff members were also abducted after armed men reportedly invaded the premises. Police subsequently launched a rescue operation and arrested suspects in connection with the incident.
The identities of the three latest victims and further details surrounding their abduction had not been disclosed as of the police statement.