It was reported that two staff members of the institution had been abducted by unidentified armed men who reportedly invaded the premises of the institute and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives immediately visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, during which preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.

“In view of the gravity of the incident and the need for swift intervention, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, psc, mnips, directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehension of the perpetrators.

“Consequently, intensive bush combing and coordinated search operations commenced across the surrounding forested locations linked to the incident. It was during one of such operations on 20th May, 2026 at about 0810hrs that Police operatives encountered and accosted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar.

“Upon preliminary interrogation, the duo volunteered to lead the operatives to the hideout of their accomplices. However, while approaching the suspected location, the team came under gunfire attack from armed men believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.

“The operatives responded professionally, repelled the attack and successfully extracted the two suspects, who are currently in custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.’

Meanwhile, the chairman of Oluyole local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, while confirming the attack, disclosed that the bandits penetrated through the rear end of the CRIN premises, which is left open.

He disclosed that close to 1,000 hectares of land that the Research Institute is seated on is left open without a perimeter fence.

This, according to him, makes it easier for the bandits to penetrate the premises of the CRIN.

The chairman, who embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the area with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro, called on the Federal Government to erect a perimeter fence around the 1,000 hectares of land.

According to him, “I visited the place alongside the SA on Security during which it was discovered that non fencing of the place makes it vulnerable to the bandits attacks.

“It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency ensures that the place is properly fenced.

“Also the relevant security agencies have commenced the combing of the forest in the area at ensuring the release of the victims.

The chairman also dismissed the rumours that bandits had invaded Alaho community.

“After leaving the CRIN premises, we moved to Alaho community where there was a wide spread rumour that the community is under attack.

There is no iota of truth in the rumour. However, we have moved the Senior Secondary Students who are writing their final year examination to the neighbouring communities. (Nigerian Tribune)