Gunmen on Wednesday abducted four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims were reportedly visiting the institute for a familiarisation tour when the attack occurred. According to an eyewitness who managed to escape, the assailants suddenly emerged from a nearby bush and intercepted their vehicle as they approached a section of the facility.
The attackers, said to be about six in number, ambushed the group without warning, creating panic before forcefully taking four of the occupants to an unknown location.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that one of the abducted victims had been rescued and the vehicle recovered.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had ordered an immediate security response. Tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, have since been deployed to support local police in the area.
Security operatives have launched an extensive search operation in surrounding bushes, while the rescued victim is currently in safe custody and undergoing debriefing.
Police authorities assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.
The incident adds to growing concerns over rising kidnapping cases in Oyo State, which have recently triggered protests among residents.
Meanwhile, the police also confirmed the re-arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Ayomide Kareem, who had earlier escaped from custody. He was apprehended late Tuesday night during a stop-and-search operation in the Ojongbodu area of Oyo.
According to the police, Kareem, 25, was identified during questioning and later confirmed to be the same suspect who escaped detention on March 10 in connection with a kidnapping case. He is currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
