CRIN Employees Kidnapped in Ibadan, Ransom Set at N120M

On October 8, 2026, gunmen abducted three individuals, including two employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) at its Idi Ayunre facility in the Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan. The victims are Mrs. Eunice Babalola, who leads the Central Nursery, and Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent.

The third victim is a male resident of the institute's SS Quarters who does not work for CRIN. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N120 million for the victims' release.

The incident occurred while Babalola and Gbalajobi were walking from the Central Nursery to the SS Quarters to retrieve an item from Babalola's residence. After the abduction, the gunmen attempted to take more hostages but were repelled by security personnel who opened fire.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and is actively working to resolve the situation, urging the public to provide any useful information.