Kidnapped Ibadan Cocoa Farmers Regain Freedom, Suspects Arrested

All four cocoa farmers abducted during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan have been rescued.

 

The latest development follows the release of the two remaining victims, bringing the total number of freed farmers to four after a coordinated security operation.

 

Earlier, police authorities had rescued two victims and arrested three suspects linked to the abduction within 24 hours of the incident.

 

Sources said the kidnappers had initially demanded a N100 million ransom before the victims were freed.

 

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, said the rescue was made possible through a joint operation involving the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.

 

He added that the victims have since been handed over to the police.

 

According to him, the operation was coordinated by the Security Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

 

Olatunji commended the security agencies for their swift and coordinated response, assuring residents of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property in the area.