Scene at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, where gunmen abducted four cocoa farmers as police begin rescue operations.
Gunmen abducted four cocoa farmers on Wednesday at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, triggering a swift security response.
The victims, some of whom were reportedly at the institute for a familiarisation visit, were attacked while heading towards the Nursing Section of the facility.
A survivor who escaped the incident said the armed men, numbering about six, emerged suddenly from the bush and blocked their vehicle.
“They came out of nowhere and intercepted us on the road,” the farmer recounted.
Confirming the incident, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Oyo State, Ayanlade Olayinka, said one of the abducted farmers had been rescued and his vehicle recovered.
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He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, had ordered the immediate deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to support the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre.
According to Olayinka, security operatives have launched an intensive bush-combing operation to track down the kidnappers.
“The rescued victim is in safe custody and undergoing debriefing. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.
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