CFAN Confirms Ransom Payment to Free Abducted Cocoa Farmers in Oyo State
Ibadan, Oyo State – March 21, 2026 – The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has revealed that an undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to secure the release of three cocoa farmers abducted earlier this week at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan. The incident occurred on Wednesday when gunmen attacked representatives from the Ogun State chapter of CFAN, who were visiting the institute's nursery site to submit annual cocoa seedling collections for the 2026 planting season. Initial reports indicated four farmers were taken, but updates confirm three were held longer-term. CFAN officials confirmed the ransom payment, stating it was necessary to ensure the victims' safe return amid delays or limitations in security interventions. The association expressed deep concern over the rising wave of kidnappings targeting farmers, which threatens Nigeria's cocoa production—one of the country's key agricultural exports. "The payment wa...