…calls for immediate and unconditional release of CRIN staff members
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Oyo State Council, has called on the state and federal governments to urgently intervene in the abduction of three workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, demanding their safe and unconditional release.
The union by its state chairman, Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro on Friday after the incident, described the abduction as a disturbing development that has heightened concerns over the safety of workers and residents in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring their abductors to justice.
The three workers were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in the Idi-Ayunre area of Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
They were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, leader of the CRIN Central Nursery; Mr Kehinde; and a third staff member whose identity was yet to be identified.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Council of the TUC called for immediate and coordinated action by relevant authorities to secure the victims’ freedom without delay.
The union stressed that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels, noting that workers should be able to carry out their legitimate duties without the fear of being attacked or abducted.
It urged security agencies to deploy the necessary operational resources and intelligence to track down the perpetrators, secure the release of the kidnapped workers and prevent further attacks in the area.
The TUC boss further called on the Oyo State Government to work closely with federal security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the incident did not become another unresolved case of kidnapping in the country.
It also urged the authorities to strengthen security surveillance around research institutions, rural communities and other vulnerable locations, particularly areas where workers may be exposed to security threats while performing their official responsibilities.
The union maintained that the safe return of the abducted workers must remain the immediate priority, calling for a swift response that would reassure workers and residents of the government’s commitment to their security.
The abduction has once again drawn attention to the growing security concerns confronting communities and institutions in parts of Oyo State, with calls mounting for decisive measures to protect residents and prevent criminal groups from operating with impunity.
The TUC urged the authorities to act with urgency, stressing that the victims’ families, colleagues and the wider labour movement were awaiting concrete action to secure their freedom.
Olabiyi-Agoro insisted that the three workers must be rescued safely and reunited with their families, while those responsible for the abduction should be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“This is the 3rd time this will be happening in about a space of seven month. This is totally unacceptable and we can’t accept that kidnapping is gradually trying to find its root in our dear state.
“The three people kidnapped are members of Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI)that is an affiliate of Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“This development has brought palpable fear and terror upon our members working in the institute and we hope this will not degenerate into more issues.
“Everyone must work together. This is not a time for blame games or inexcusable rhetoric, this about human lives, security of lives and property of the people. The traditional institution, religious leaders, security agencies and government at all levels must work collectively to ensure their immediate, safe, and unconditional release from their abductors,” Olabiyi-Agoro said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo state Police Command through its Public Relation Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, has disclosed that a manhunt had been launched for the kidnappers, adding that security operatives were working to ensure the safe return of the abducted staff members.
It assured members of the public that all necessary measures were being taken to resolve the situation, while reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police has also called on anyone with credible information that could assist the rescue ongoing operation to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its established emergency channels.
The Command urged the public to cooperate with security agencies as efforts to rescue the victims and track down the suspects continue.