JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of three workers at Oyo Institute

The Oyo State Police command, on Friday confirmed the abduction of three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, in Ibadan, assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release and apprehend the perpetrators.

The state Police Public Relation Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed this development, in a statement in Ibadan, the state capital.

The victims were reportedly abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the premises of the institute.

The PUNCH reports that 20 out of 30 prospective corps members, who were abducted last Thursday in Imo State, 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.(Punch)