Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, have regained their freedom six days after they were abducted by armed men within the institute’s premises.
The victims — Mrs Eunice Babalola, Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi and a colleague identified simply as Nelson — were reportedly released early Wednesday after their abductors allegedly received N50 million in ransom.
The trio were kidnapped last Thursday at about 1 p.m. while inspecting crops on a farm within the CRIN premises.
According to a credible source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for each of the three victims, amounting to N120 million. 
The demand was reportedly negotiated down to N50 million for the release of all three abductees.
The source said the victims were eventually rescued from a bush around Globus Farm, popularly known as Triton, by security personnel in the early hours of Wednesday.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the three victims had been rescued.
However, Ayanlade said he was not aware of any ransom payment, while efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
The latest incident has again raised concerns over the security of workers and residents around farming communities in parts of Oyo State, where kidnappers have increasingly targeted people in isolated locations.
Further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, rescue operation and possible arrest of suspects are expected.
