Three people abducted from Cocoa Research Institute in Oyo State

Three individuals were abducted from the premises of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims include 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 staff member.

The abduction occurred during office hours while the victims were walking from the nursery to the quarters. Reports indicate that the kidnappers attempted to seize more people from the Central Nursery but were repelled following a gunfire exchange with security personnel on duty.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that a manhunt has been launched to secure the safe return of the victims. According to local sources, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦120 million for their release.