Gunmen unexpectedly emerged from the bushes on Wednesday, abducting four cocoa farmers visiting the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State. The victims were on a familiarisation tour of the institute when the attack occurred.

A survivor recounted that the assailants—about six in number—“suddenly appeared from the bush and intercepted our vehicle” as they headed toward the institute’s Nursing Section. Panic erupted before four of the farmers were whisked away to an unknown location.

Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said one victim had been rescued and the vehicle recovered. He added that Commissioner of Police Mr. Femi Haruna had ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and tactical teams to support the Divisional Police Officer in Idi-Ayunre.

Police operatives launched an intensive bush search operation. The rescued victim is in safe custody undergoing debriefing, and efforts continue to free the remaining abductees and apprehend the perpetrators.

The attack comes amid a recent surge in kidnappings in Oyo State, prompting widespread public protests. In a related development, the Oyo State Police Command announced the re-arrest of Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old suspected kidnapper who had escaped custody on March 10, 2026.

Kareem was apprehended on Tuesday, March 17, during a routine patrol at Irepo Junction in the Ojongbodu area. Police confirmed he was “trekking within the vicinity” when stopped and identified as the same suspect previously involved in kidnapping cases. He is now in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.