By Adeola Badru
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has confirmed that an undisclosed ransom was paid to secure the release of three abducted members, bringing to an end a tense kidnapping ordeal involving five farmers in Ogun and Oyo states.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, the association disclosed that the final group of victims regained their freedom in the early hours of Saturday after their families met the kidnappers’ demands.
The development followed the earlier release of two victims, Apostle William Solomon and Rufus Megbowon, who were freed on health grounds in what the association described as a “divine arrangement.“
According to CFAN, the remaining victims were released between midnight and 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Ogun State after ransom payment by their relatives.
However, the process took a dramatic turn when an unexpected gunshot disrupted the victims’ movement shortly after their release.
The statement said the incident occurred at a separate location in Ibadan, where the freed captives were being moved by their abductors.
CFAN stated: “Sequel to our press release dated 19th March, 2026 on the kidnapping incident involving five members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, who were on a familiarisation visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, and the subsequent release of the duo, Apostle William Solomon and Rufus Megbowon, on health grounds, considered a divine arrangement, we are pleased to provide an update.“
“Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., the remaining victims were released following ransom payment by their family members at an undisclosed location in Ogun State.“
“However, during the process of their release by the kidnappers in another location in Ibadan, there was a sudden gunshot from an unidentified person that led to the kidnapped victims to lose coordination and awareness of their immediate environment.“
“Due to this development, the duo of Ayebusia Toyin and Ayebusiwa Tayo were successfully helped by the Amotekun Corps guiding a quarry site located in their vicinity, while Omosoluyi Omoseyimi was able to safely reach out to the Association at about 8:30 a.m. today.“
“Therefore, we are delighted to inform the general public, particularly cocoa stakeholders, that all three remaining victims, Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo, and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi — have now been safely released as of today, 21st March, 2026.“
“We sincerely appreciate Nigerians for standing by us during this difficult and disturbing incident. We also extend our gratitude to the management of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force – Oyo State Command, State Security Service (DSS) – Oyo State Command, Amotekun – Oyo State Command, the local hunters, the leadership of the Oluyole local government, the general public, and cocoa stakeholders both within Nigeria and in the diaspora for their unwavering prayers and support throughout this trying period.“
“Furthermore, we reiterate our call on the government at all levels, particularly the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, to strengthen and reinforce security measures in order to curb the illicit activities occurring within and around its environment.”
The victims were abducted earlier last week while on a familiarisation visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria headquarters in Ibadan.
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