Gunmen have abducted three workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The abduction was confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, who said the command had commenced investigations and rescue efforts.

Ayanlade disclosed that security operatives were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release and track down the perpetrators.

“The Oyo State Police Command confirms a kidnapping incident involving three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), who were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises,” he said.

He added that the command immediately launched intensive operations following the report of the incident.

The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspects to assist the command.