Gunmen have abducted three people, including two employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), in Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the attackers reportedly demanding ₦120 million for their release.
The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola, leader of CRIN’s Central Nursery, and Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent at the research institute. The third victim is a man who resides in the institute’s SS Quarters but is not a member of staff.
The incident reportedly occurred during working hours, raising fresh concerns about the safety of workers and residents in the area.
According to information reported by Vanguard, Babalola and Gbalajobi were abducted while walking from the institute’s Central Nursery towards the SS Quarters. Babalola had reportedly intended to collect some items from her residence, while their driver was expected to pick them up and return them to the institute’s main office.
The reported ransom demand adds to the financial and emotional burden facing the victims’ families, who must contend with uncertainty over the whereabouts and condition of their relatives.
The abduction also raises concerns about the security of agricultural research institutions, whose employees play a role in crop research, nursery management and the development of agricultural knowledge that supports the farming sector.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security challenge in parts of Nigeria, affecting commuters, rural communities, professionals and workers travelling to or operating within vulnerable areas.
Beyond the immediate danger to victims, such incidents can disrupt economic activity, restrict movement and discourage staff from carrying out routine duties where security cannot be guaranteed.
For research institutions, the consequences may extend to interruptions in field operations, staff welfare and the movement of personnel between facilities and residential quarters.
The reported incident underscores the need for a coordinated response involving security agencies, local authorities and the institute’s management to establish the victims’ whereabouts and pursue their safe release.
Authorities should also investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and determine whether the attackers had prior knowledge of the victims’ movements.
As of the reports cited for this article, the ₦120 million figure represents the reported demand by the abductors. Further official information is needed to establish the status of rescue efforts and any developments in the case.
