Abductors Of CRIN Staff Demand N120m Ransom

The abductors of the three people, including two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan have demanded N120 million ransom.

Our correspondent gathered yesterday that the kidnappers have established contact with the victims’ families.

Oyo State police spokesman DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said security operatives had deployed a tactical manhunt and operational rescue efforts in surrounding forests.

Meanwhile, workers and members of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) at CRIN have protested against the abduction.

The protesters had blocked a section of the Ibadan/Ijebu-Ode Road to protest the abduction and urge immediate intervention.

It was gathered that the abduction took place during working hours on Thursday, October 8 at the institute’s premises at Idi-Ayunre in the Oluyole local government area of Oyo State.

The victims include Mrs.Eunice Babaloka (Head of CRIN’s Central Nursery), Mr. Kehinde Gbalajobi (Agricultural Superintendent), while the third individual resides at the CRIN Senior Staff Quarters.