BREAKING: Abducted CRIN Workers Regain Freedom in Oyo After Six Days in Captivity, ₦50m Ransom Reported

Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, who were abducted by armed men last Thursday, have regained their freedom following the reported payment of ₦50 million as ransom.

The victims, identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi and Mr Nelson, were reportedly released in the early hours of Wednesday, six days after their abduction.

According to reports, the victims were kidnapped at about 1 p.m. while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

Following the incident, the kidnappers were said to have initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim. However, the ransom was reportedly negotiated down to ₦50 million for all three abductees.

A credible source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the victims were rescued from a bush around Globus Farm, popularly known as Triton, on Wednesday.

The source attributed their recovery to the intervention of security operatives, although details surrounding the operation remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

Confirming the victims’ rescue, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the three abductees had regained their freedom.

However, the police spokesperson stated that he was not aware of any ransom payment, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of workers carrying out agricultural and research activities, particularly in areas vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Further details regarding the circumstances of the victims’ release and the ongoing police investigation are expected to emerge.