Gunmen kidnap three CRIN workers in Oyo, demand N120m ransom

Gunmen have abducted three people, including two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, and demanded N120 million for their release.

The victims were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, leader of CRIN’s Central Nursery; Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent; and another man who resides in the institute’s SS Quarters but is not a member of staff.

The abduction occurred during working hours yesterday, according to the information gathered by our correspondent.

A source familiar with the incident disclosed that Babalola and Gbalajobi were kidnapped while walking from the institute’s Central Nursery to the SS Quarters, where Babalola intended to collect some items from her residence.

The source explained that their driver was expected to pick them up at the quarters while returning from the nursery to the institute’s main office with other nursery staff.

The two workers, however, were intercepted by the gunmen before they could reach the quarters, while the third victim, a resident of the SS Quarters who is not employed by CRIN, was also abducted.

The source said the gunmen subsequently attempted to abduct additional people at the Central Nursery but were prevented from doing so following a fierce exchange of gunfire with security personnel on guard.

“The kidnappers went to the Central Nursery to pick more victims but were repelled after a fierce exchange of gunshots with the security men on guard at the time,” the source said.

The source further disclosed that the kidnappers had established contact with the victims’ relatives and were demanding a total ransom of N120 million for the release of the three abductees.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of workers and residents within the institute’s premises, particularly following the reported attempt by the gunmen to seize additional victims.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victims were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

According to the police spokesman, security operatives have commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims’ release.

“A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the command was deploying the necessary resources to address the situation and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the ongoing operation.

“The command reassured the public that every necessary effort is being made to resolve the situation and urges anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels,” he said.

Oyo 2027: Fakorede Takes Odidiomo Youth Mobilisation Drive to Sabo, Meets CYSD Leadership

The Director of Youth Mobilisation & Strategy Directorate of the Odidiomo Campaign Organisation, Seun Fakorede, yesterday led a delegation to Sabo, Ibadan, for a strategic engagement with the leadership of the Coalition of Youth for Social Development (CYSD), a group representing the Arewa/Hausa community across Oyo State.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to interact, exchange ideas and discuss issues concerning youth participation, community development and inclusive engagement ahead of the 2027 political season.

The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue with community youth leaders on issues concerning youth participation, social development and community engagement. CYSD emerged in Sabo from a coming together of several youth-focused groups in the area. 

The delegation noted the importance of continued engagement with youth organisations across different communities, while the interaction with CYSD leadership offered an avenue to exchange views and better understand issues affecting their members.

The meeting in Sabo forms part of the ongoing engagements by the Youth Mobilisation & Strategy Directorate with youth groups and community stakeholders across Oyo State.

The meeting was facilitated with the support of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations (Arewa Community), Alhaji Murtala Ahmad, and Alhaji Jagaban of the Arewa Community.

Chaired by Alhaji Kaka B., CYSD brings together Amana Foundation, Youths Charity Foundation, Sabo Youth Alliance, Humanity Helpers Network, Sabo Youth Vanguard, Bi’izinillah Youth Association, Zaman Lafiya, Operations Keep Sabo Clean and Vanguard Qadriyyah.

It was a meaningful reunion with a community I have engaged with and advocated for over seven years, first as Commissioner for Youth & Sports and now as Executive Adviser to the Governor on Youth & Sports, with the support of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The coalition appreciated the Governor for the projects, interventions, and basic amenities benefiting their community, as well as the broader transformation across Oyo State.

They also acknowledged Rt. Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (Odidiomo) for his support, particularly his ₦10 million contribution towards the renovation of their Central Mosque and ₦1 million towards the surgical operation of one of their promising youths.

The leadership of CYSD expressed confidence in the Governor and affirmed their commitment to supporting Bimbo Adekanbi for Governor, Odidiomo for Senator, Oyo South Senatorial District, and other APM candidates.

I assured them of continued government engagement and support, recognising the Arewa/Hausa community as an integral part of Oyo State’s social and economic fabric.

For me, leadership is about building bridges, listening, inclusion and trust. Every community matters, every voice counts, and every citizen has a stake in our collective progress.

The work continues...

The Seun Fakorede,

Director, Youth Mobilisation & Strategy, Odidiomo Campaign Organisation.

Wike Lied, FG Did Not Give Oyo N50bn For Ibadan Airport – Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Government has dismissed as false and provocative, claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike that the Federal Government gave the state N50 billion for the reconstruction of the Ibadan airport.

The government in a press statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju on Monday, said the Federal Government did not give Oyo a kobo for the airport project.

According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu’s minute on the proposal submitted to him by Governor Makinde was “Approved at no cost to the Federal Government”, adding that the records are with the presidency and the Oyo State Government.

This clarification became necessary in the light of a false and provocative statement made on a television station on Monday by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike that the president had ‘settled’ Oyo State with N50 billion for the reconstruction of the airport,” the statement said.

The government explained that in line with the approval granted by the Federal Government, which clearly stated that the airport upgrade would be undertaken at no cost to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government has fully financed a comprehensive transformation of the facility.

It listed the components to include the expansion and strengthening of the runway, upgrade of the airfield lighting and navigational systems, apron improvements, construction of supporting infrastructure such as the dualised Airport Road, enhanced aviation safety installations, and ongoing work on a modern international terminal designed to significantly boost passenger and cargo capacity.

Every component of the upgrade has been executed and funded solely by Oyo State,” it stated.

The state government described Wike’s statement as both untrue and unfortunate, saying he should have sought knowledge on the matter before going on air.

“Mr. Wike’s assertion does not originate from any Federal Executive Council decision, presidential approval, or statutory aviation infrastructure process. It is not an official communication of the Federal Government. It is not backed by documentation. It is not grounded in fact. It is a claim made without responsibility and without regard for the truth, and should therefore be disregarded by members of the public,” the statement said.

It added that aviation infrastructure funding follows strict due-process channels involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other regulatory bodies, noting that these channels are transparent, traceable, and publicly verifiable and none of them reflects the figure Wike circulated.

“The Oyo State Government will not allow misinformation, especially one of this magnitude, to be weaponised for political point-scoring or used to distort public understanding of government finances. The claim is not only false; it is reckless, misleading, and capable of eroding public trust if left unchallenged.

“Let it be stated unambiguously: The Federal Government did not give Oyo State N50 billion for the Ibadan Airport upgrade. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fabrication and a lie from the pit of hell,” the government said.

The Oyo State Government said it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and factual public communication, urging public officials to exercise restraint and responsibility, and to refrain from making unfounded statements that misinform citizens and politicise development efforts.

DJAN Throws Weight Behind Akinsete Olakunle, APM Ahead of 2027

The 2027 political landscape in Ibadan South West is beginning to generate fresh momentum as the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), Ibadan Southwest Zone, has reportedly endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Akinsete Olakunle and expressed support for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the forthcoming election.

The endorsement, according to reports from the engagement, represents a significant show of support for Akinsete’s ambition to represent Ibadan South West Constituency II in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

DJAN members were said to have thrown their weight behind the aspiration while also declaring their support for the APM family, further placing the entertainment and creative community among the stakeholders engaging with the political process ahead of 2027.

The development comes as Akinsete continues his engagements with stakeholders, community leaders, youths and various groups across the constituency, with discussions reportedly centred on effective representation, youth development, community advancement and inclusive governance.

Speaking on the endorsement, supporters described the development as a reflection of confidence in Akinsete’s commitment to public service and his engagement with the people at the grassroots.

For many young people within the creative and entertainment space, issues around opportunities, skills development, economic empowerment and stronger representation remain important areas of interest. DJAN itself describes its mission as promoting professionalism, training, welfare and opportunities for young people within Nigeria’s deejaying and creative industries.

The endorsement therefore adds another layer to the growing political conversations surrounding Ibadan South West Constituency II as stakeholders and community groups continue to make their positions known ahead of the 2027 elections.

With Akinsete positioning his aspiration around service, youth inclusion and grassroots representation, the latest development is expected to further intensify political activities and stakeholder engagements across the constituency.

As the road to 2027 continues, all eyes will remain on Ibadan South West as candidates, political parties and various interest groups continue to build relationships and mobilise support ahead of the election.

ThatYourGuy!

APM Deputy Gov Candidate, Open Salawu, Donates N15m For Rabitah Conference, N1m To Ulamas

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, has donated the sum of Fifteen Million Naira (N15m) in support of the upcoming Oyo 2026 Rabitah Conference aimed at advancing the development of Islam in the state and across Yorubaland.

He also made a personal donation of One Million Naira (N1m) to the delegation as pocket money, in demonstration of his longstanding culture of honouring and caring for Ulamas.

Engr. Open Salawu, who is the Giwa Adinni of Oyo State and the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, announced the donations on Tuesday when he received the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere, alongside a delegation of distinguished Imams, Alfas and Islamic scholars from across Yorubaland.

The delegation, under the aegis of Rabitatul Aimmat Wal Ulamai Fi Bilaadi Yoruba (League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland), paid a courtesy visit to the APM Governorship candidate as part of preparations for the Yorubaland Muslim Conference, Ibadan 2026, scheduled for November.

The delegation described Engr. Open Salawu as the pride of Islam in Oyo State, commending his consistent contributions to the propagation and development of Islam over the years.

They listed some of his interventions to include building the Central Mosque in Ilajue, Surulere Local Government Area; building the Central Mosque in Olokoto, Orire Local Government Area; single-handedly building the mosques in Ile-Ogiri and Tara in Ogbomoso; supporting the foundation of the Ikoyi Central Mosque and roofing several Jumat mosques.

Other interventions highlighted include initiating Itikaf at the Ogbomoso Central Mosque and funding the feeding of 100 participants annually since 2023, feeding 9,000 people every Ramadan for the past 8 years, and sponsoring Muslim and Christian programmes on Parrot FM, Ogbomoso for over 10 years.

They formally invited him to the conference while applauding his generous support.

According to the Ulamas, the three-day conference, scheduled to hold from November 13 to 16, 2026, at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, will be intellectually engaging and spiritually uplifting.

They disclosed that the conference will bring together renowned Islamic scholars, community leaders, government officials and stakeholders to deliberate on values that bind society together, including peace, unity, education, moral leadership, youth development and the strengthening of religious and community institutions.

Topics to be discussed include the role of Imams in purifying Islamic pulpits, the duties of political leaders ahead of the forthcoming elections, and other pertinent issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and the nation at large.