Three abducted staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.
They regained their freedom on Wednesday after six days in captivity.
The staff members identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and Nelson, were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute, last Thursday.
However, sources familiar with the CRIN’s attack said, “The abductors had earlier demanded N40 million for each worker before the amount was allegedly reduced to N50 million for all three victims after negotiations.
“They regained their freedom in the early hours of today (Wednesday) after security operatives located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton,” sources stressed.
The state Police command confirmed the rescue but did not disclose whether a ransom was paid to secure the workers’ release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said, “Security agencies are still working to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.”
The release of the three CRIN employees comes six days after the attack, as efforts are in top gear to bring the suspected kidnappers to justice.
