Six days in captivity: Three CRIN staff freed after ₦50m ransom

Three employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained freedom six days after being kidnapped by armed men.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the victims were released early Wednesday following the reported payment of ₦50 million in ransom.

The workers, identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi and Mr Nelson, were abducted last Thursday while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim before reportedly reducing the total ransom to ₦50 million.

A source disclosed that security operatives rescued the victims from a bush near Globus Farm, popularly known as Triton.

Confirming their release, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he was unaware of any ransom payment.

He added that security agencies were continuing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. last Thursday.