Suspected gunmen numbering six on Wednesday, kidnapped four Cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

It was gathered that some of the victims were at the institute for a familiarisation visit.

A cocoa farmer who was lucky to escape abduction  recounted that the gunmen suddenly appeared from the bush and intercepted their vehicle on their way to the Nursing Section at the institute.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident in a text message on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Mr Olayinka said one of the four victims had been successfully rescued, and his vehicle recovered.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other tactical teams, to reinforce the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Idi-Ayunre.

The PPRO said that operatives had embarked on an intensive bush combing operation, adding that the rescued victim was currently in safe custody and undergoing debriefing.

“Efforts are on to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.

(NAN)