CRIN Staff Freed After Six-Day Kidnapping in Oyo

Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi, and Nelson, were abducted on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while inspecting crops on a farm in Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State. They regained their freedom on Wednesday after six days in captivity.

The state Police command confirmed the abduction on Friday, October 9, 2026, and stated that efforts were ongoing to secure their release and apprehend the kidnappers. Reports indicated that the abductors initially demanded N40 million for each victim, later reducing the total ransom to N50 million for all three.

They were rescued in the early hours of Wednesday near Globus Farm, also known as Triton. The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the rescue but did not disclose whether a ransom was paid.

Security agencies continue to work on identifying and arresting the perpetrators.