Three people abducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oyo State have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.
They were released on Wednesday, October 14. An institute insider told Vanguard that they returned to the premises in Oluyole Local Government Area at about 1pm and had been reunited with their families.
Punch reported that Oyo police confirmed their release. Its account said security operatives had located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton, citing sources familiar with the incident. Vanguard said it could not reach the police spokesperson for confirmation before publication.
The accounts differ on the third abductee’s employment status. Punch identified all three as staff, naming Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and a man identified only as Nelson. Vanguard identified Babalola and Gbalajobi as agricultural superintendents but said the third person was a resident of the institute’s Senior Staff Quarters, not an employee.
Ransom claims also remain unconfirmed. Vanguard cited an insider as saying a substantial sum was reportedly paid but gave no amount. Punch said police did not disclose whether any ransom was paid.
The three were abducted last week. NaijaTrend previously reported the police rescue effort here.
Oyo police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade told Punch: “Security agencies are still working to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.”
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
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