The Oyo State Police Command on Friday confirmed the abduction of three employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, saying efforts were underway to secure their release and arrest those responsible.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital.
The three workers were reportedly kidnapped while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
Meanwhile, 20 of the 30 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State last Thursday regained their freedom on Friday.
They were kidnapped while traveling on two buses from Oyo to orientation camps in Abia State. The remaining 10 escaped through the bush.
They regained their freedom seven days after abduction along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State.
However, Ayanlade in a statement, on Friday, said, “The Oyo State Police command confirms a kidnapping incident involving three staff members of the CRIN, who were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
“Upon receiving the report, the command immediately commenced intensive efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice.
“The command reassures the public that every necessary effort is being made to resolve the situation and urges anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its established emergency,” the explained.
