Three workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom, six days after they were kidnapped while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and another employee known simply as Nelson.

They were reportedly abducted last Thursday at about 1pm when armed men invaded the farm and took them to an undisclosed location.

Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for each of the three workers before negotiations allegedly reduced the total ransom to N50 million.

The workers were said to have regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton.

The police confirmed that the victims had been rescued but did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects behind the abduction.

The workers’ release is expected to bring relief to their families and colleagues, while security agencies continue efforts to track down those responsible for the incident.

Three workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom, six days after they were kidnapped while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola, Kehinde Gbalajobi and another employee known simply as Nelson.

They were reportedly abducted last Thursday at about 1pm when armed men invaded the farm and took them to an undisclosed location.

Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for each of the three workers before negotiations allegedly reduced the total ransom to N50 million.

The workers were said to have regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives located them in a bush near Globus Farm, also known as Triton.

The police confirmed that the victims had been rescued but did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects behind the abduction.

The workers’ release is expected to bring relief to their families and colleagues, while security agencies continue efforts to track down those responsible for the incident.