Three people kidnapped by gunmen at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, have regained their freedom after six days in captivity, bringing relief to their families and colleagues.
The victims reportedly returned to the institute at approximately 1pm on Wednesday, October 14, following days of uncertainty over their whereabouts.
An insider at the research institute confirmed their release, adding that the three individuals had been reunited with their respective families.
However, reports surrounding their freedom indicated that a ransom was paid to secure their release.
The amount allegedly handed over to the kidnappers was not immediately established, while the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release remained unclear.
The development followed reports that the abductors had contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded N120 million in exchange for the freedom of the three individuals.
Although a source familiar with the incident suggested that a substantial sum was reportedly paid, there was no independently verified information on the final amount or whether the entire sum demanded by the kidnappers was settled.
Confirming the development, an insider told our correspondent that the victims had spent six days in captivity before returning to the institute.
“Our members of staff who were kidnapped last Friday at the various institute locations have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.
“They arrived at the institute at 1pm. They have been reunited with their respective families,” the source said.
Efforts to obtain an official confirmation from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful before the report was filed. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, could not be reached for comments on the reported release.
How the abduction unfolded
The victims were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola and Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi, both agricultural superintendents employed by CRIN, as well as another man who resides within the institute’s Senior Staff Quarters but does not work for the organisation.
Available information indicated that Babalola and Gbalajobi were abducted while travelling on foot from the institute’s Central Nursery to the Senior Staff Quarters.
The two agricultural superintendents had reportedly visited Babalola’s residence to collect some personal belongings.
Their movement was part of a routine arrangement under which a driver was expected to pick them up later while returning to the institute’s main office with other nursery workers.
However, the plan was disrupted when the gunmen intercepted them before they could complete the journey to the residential quarters.
A source explained that the workers had intended to collect some items from Babalola’s home and wait for the driver, who was expected to transport them back to the main office.
“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,” the source said.
The attackers reportedly took both workers away before abducting another man living in the Senior Staff Quarters.
The third victim was not an employee of the research institute, although his residence within the facility’s quarters brought him into the incident.
“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 source added.
Security operatives foil further abduction attempt
The gunmen reportedly attempted to seize additional victims at the institute’s Central Nursery after abducting the three individuals.
Their operation was, however, disrupted by security personnel stationed at the location, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the operatives and the suspected kidnappers.
According to the source, the security team successfully repelled the attackers, preventing them from taking more people away from the facility.
“The kidnappers went to the Central Nursery to pick more victims but were repelled after a fierce exchange of gunshots with the security men on guard then,” the source said.
Although further details about the security operation were not immediately available, the reported confrontation suggests that the presence of security personnel played a role in preventing additional abductions.
There was no immediate information on whether any of the security operatives or the suspected kidnappers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
The incident also raised concerns about the safety of workers and residents moving between different sections of the institute, particularly areas connecting the nursery to the residential quarters.
Families reportedly faced N120 million ransom demand
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded N120 million for the release of the three captives.
The demand came as the families sought ways to secure their loved ones’ safe return.
The reported ransom payment preceded the victims’ release, although the details of any negotiations between the abductors and the families remained undisclosed.
Neither the exact amount allegedly paid nor the identity of the person or persons who may have facilitated the payment was immediately known.
It also remained unclear whether the reported payment was made in full or whether other arrangements contributed to the victims’ eventual freedom.
The circumstances surrounding ransom negotiations are often difficult to establish independently, making official confirmation important in determining what happened during the period of captivity.
Relief after six days in captivity
The return of the three abductees has brought relief to their families and colleagues at the research institute after nearly a week of concern over their safety.
Their release marks a significant development in the incident, although questions remain about the identities of the gunmen, the security arrangements around the facility and the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to provide an official account confirming the victims’ release or outlining the progress of any investigation into the abduction.
Further clarification is also needed regarding the reported ransom demand and payment.
The incident underscores the importance of effective security measures around workplaces and residential facilities, particularly where employees and residents must regularly move between separate locations.
For now, the immediate relief is that all three abducted individuals have reportedly regained their freedom and returned to their families after six days in captivity.
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