By Four persons have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen at the Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State, in an attack that occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
In a video obtained by AfrikTimes, the Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria in Oyo state said about seven armed men stormed the nursery section of the institute and abducted the victims.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said two of the victims have been rescued.
He added that the one of the victim’s vehicle was also recovered during the operation.
According to Mr. Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Idi-Ayunre Division for an ongoing rescue operation.
As of the time of filing this report, two other victims remain in captivity as security operatives continue bush combing in the area.
