Gunmen in Oyo State have kidnapped three individuals, including two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN). The victims, identified as Mrs. Eunice Babalola, leader of CRIN's Central Nursery, and Mr. Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent, were abducted while walking from the institute's Central Nursery to the SS Quarters. A third victim, a resident of the SS Quarters but not a CRIN employee, was also taken.
According to a source, the abduction occurred during working hours, and the gunmen had attempted to abduct additional people at the Central Nursery but were prevented from doing so following a fierce exchange of gunfire with security personnel on guard. The source disclosed that the kidnappers had established contact with the victims' relatives and were demanding a total ransom of N120 million for the release of the three abductees.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of workers and residents within the institute's premises. The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute's premises. Olayinka said security operatives have commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims' release.
A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims' safe return and bring those responsible to justice. The police command is deploying necessary resources to address the situation and has appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the ongoing operation.
The command has reassured the public that every necessary effort is being made to resolve the situation and urges anyone with credible information to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels. The incident highlights the need for enhanced security measures to protect workers and residents in the area.
The kidnapping has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for improved security in Oyo State. The CRIN incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings and abductions reported in Nigeria, raising concerns about the country's security situation. Authorities have promised to take decisive action to address the issue and ensure the safe release of the abducted individuals.
The police investigation is ongoing, with security operatives working to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the three victims. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the public to prevent and respond to such incidents.
Key points
- The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N120 million for the release of the three abducted individuals.
- The incident has raised concerns over the safety of workers and residents within the institute's premises.
- A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims' safe return and bring those responsible to justice.
