By Adeyinka Adeniran
Three staff members of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, Oluyole local governnent area of Oyo state have been kidnapped by gunmen.
It was gathered that the victims include: the leaders of CRIN Central Nursery, Mrs Eunice Babalola. Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi (Agric Superintendents) and one other man who resides at CRIN Senior Staff Quarters.
It was gathered that the victims include: the leaders of CRIN Central Nursery, Mrs Eunice Babalola. Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi (Agric Superintendents) and one other man who resides at CRIN Senior Staff Quarters.
Sources hinted that the abduction took place on Thursday, during office hours on Thursday.
The duo of Mrs Babalola and Mr Gbalajobi, it was gathered, were kidnapped while trekking from CRIN Central Nursery to SS Quarters.
The source said, “Their intention was to pick something at Mrs Babalola’s residence (SS Quarters). The driver was to pick them later at SS Quarters while he would be returning with other Nursery staff from CRIN Nursery to the Main Office.
“However, the dedicated duo were picked by kidnappers on their way from Nursery to SS Quarters while another man (CRIN SS Quarters resident but not a staff of CRIN) was also kidnapped.
“The kidnappers went to the Central Nursery to pick more victims but were repelled after a fierce exchange of gun shots with the Security man (men) on guard then.”
Our source also informed that the kidnappers have established links with relatives of the victims, demanding for N120million as ransom for the three kidnapped victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement confirmed the attacks.
He said the victims were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
Hr said, “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 channels.”
