The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of four cocoa farmers by gunmen at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved about six armed men who reportedly emerged from the bush and intercepted the victims’ vehicle as they were heading towards the Nursing Section of the institute. Sources indicated that some of the victims were on a familiarisation visit at the time of the attack.

A cocoa farmer who escaped the incident recounted how the assailants ambushed the group without warning, creating panic among those in the vehicle.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed in a message that one of the abducted victims had been rescued, while the victim’s vehicle had also been recovered.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, had directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to support the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre.

According to the police spokesperson, operatives have launched an intensive bush-combing operation in the area, while the rescued victim is currently in safe custody and undergoing debriefing.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he stated.