By Desire Emmanuel
The remaining three out of five farmers who were abducted by gunmen in the premises of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom after payment of an undisclosed amount as ransom.
It will be recalled that security operatives rescued two of the farmers shortly after they were abducted while three of the kidnappers were arrested in connection with the incident.
However, information on Saturday, March 21, indicated that the remaining three farmers who were taken away by the abductors regained their freedom following the payment of an unspecified amount as ransom.
Confirming the release of the farmers, Chairman of the Oluyole Local Government Area of the state, Mr, Akeem Olatunji said that the victims regained their freedom on Friday night.
He stated that their release was made possible following days of combing of the bush by security agencies, adding that the freed captives had been handed to the police operatives further necessary action.
Speaking after the release of the victims, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr Adeola Adegoke, confirmed the payment of ransom before the release of the victims.
The statement by the association’s president reads; “Sequel to our press release dated 19th March, 2026 on the kidnapping incident involving five members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, who were on a familiarisation visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, between 12:00 midnight and 2:00 a.m., the remaining victims were released following ransom payment by their family members at an undisclosed location in Ogun State.
“Therefore, we are delighted to inform the general public, particularly cocoa stakeholders, that all three remaining victims-Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo, and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi, have now been safely released as of today, 21st March, 2026.
“We sincerely appreciate Nigerians for standing by us during this difficult and disturbing incident.”
