Kidnapped Ibadan cocoa farmers released, suspects arrested

By Adeola Badru

The two remaining cocoa farmers abducted during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan on Saturday have been rescued.

Reports indicated that the victims were freed following a coordinated operation by security agencies, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to four.

Earlier, police authorities had secured the freedom of two of the victims and apprehended three individuals suspected to be connected to the abduction within 24 hours of the incident.

Sources also revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million before the victims were freed.

In a telephone interview, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, confirmed that all the abducted farmers have now regained their freedom.

He explained that the successful rescue was the result of coordinated efforts among multiple security agencies, including the Police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun, and local vigilante groups in Oluyole.

Olatunji further stated that the rescue team has since handed the victims over to the police.

He noted that the operation was coordinated by the Security Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

The council chairman expressed appreciation to the security operatives for their “concerted efforts” and reassured residents of his commitment to continued collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.

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