Suspected gunmen on Wednesday, invaded the headquarters of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Idi Ayunre area of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting four cocoa farmers during a visit to the facility.
The victims were reportedly at the institute for a guided tour of its nursery section when the attackers emerged from a nearby bush and carried out the abduction.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that one of the kidnapped farmers has been rescued by security operatives.
“One of the four kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued, and his vehicle recovered,” Ayanlade said, adding that the victim is currently in safe custody undergoing debriefing.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining three victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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According to him, the Commissioner of Police has deployed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit alongside other tactical teams to intensify operations in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other tactical teams, to reinforce the Divisional Police Office, Idi-Ayunre Division, and other operatives in an ongoing intensive bush combing operation,” he stated.
The attack has further raised concerns over security around key agricultural institutions and rural communities in the state, especially as farmers continue to face threats while carrying out their activities.
