RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
Gunmen have abducted three people, including two employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), in Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, with their abductors reportedly demanding ₦120 million for their release.
The victims were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, head of the institute’s Central Nursery; Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent; and a male resident of the institute’s SS Quarters who is not a member of staff.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday within the research institute’s premises.
According to an account from a source familiar with the incident, Babalola and Gbalajobi were walking from the Central Nursery towards the SS Quarters when armed men intercepted them.
Babalola was reportedly heading to the residential quarters to collect personal belongings before meeting a driver who was expected to pick them up.
The attackers also abducted a third person residing within the quarters.
The source disclosed that the gunmen subsequently attempted to abduct additional people at the Central Nursery but were confronted by security personnel, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
The attackers reportedly withdrew following the confrontation.
The abductors were said to have contacted relatives of the victims and demanded a combined ransom of ₦120 million.
Confirming the abduction, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victims were seized while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute.
Olayinka disclosed that security operatives had commenced operations to locate the suspects and rescue the abducted persons.
“A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
The police spokesperson assured that the command was deploying available resources to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those responsible.
He also appealed to residents with useful information concerning the incident to contact the police through established emergency channels or report to the nearest police station.
The incident has heightened security concerns among workers and residents of the research institute, particularly following reports that the attackers attempted to abduct additional people.
While the police have confirmed the abduction of three persons, the reported ransom demand and circumstances surrounding the attempted additional kidnappings have not been independently verified.
As of the latest available information, the victims remained in captivity, while security operations to secure their release were ongoing.
