The two remaining cocoa farmers abducted during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan have regained their freedom, following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
The victims were among four farmers kidnapped during the incident, with two earlier rescued by the police within 24 hours, alongside the arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the crime.
Sources revealed that the abductors had initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million before the victims were eventually freed.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, disclosed during a telephone conversation that all the abducted farmers have now been safely released.
He attributed their rescue to the joint efforts of security operatives, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and local vigilantes in the area.
According to him, the victims have since been handed over to the police for further care and debriefing.
Olatunji added that the operation was coordinated by the Security Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, Fatai Owoseni.
The council chairman commended the security teams for their swift and collaborative response, reassuring residents of his administration’s continued commitment to working closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.
