Cocoa Farmers Kidnapped at CRIN, Oyo State

Four cocoa farmers were abducted by gunmen at the Nigeria===Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Nigeria===Oyo State, on March 18, 2026. The victims, representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, were visiting the institute to submit cocoa seedling collections. The Nigeria===Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Nigeria===Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups, and the Nigeria===Amotekun Corps, launched a swift response. This led to the rescue of two male victims and the arrest of three suspects. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim(s). The incident underscores a recent surge in kidnapping incidents in Nigeria===Oyo State, prompting increased security measures and public concern.