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COCOA FARMERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA REACTS TO IBADAN ABDUCTION
…As CFAN President, Adegoke Laments Insecurity Challenges Faced By Farmers In Nigeria
RE: CLARIFICATION ON THE KIDNAPPING INCIDENT INVOLVING A FIVE-MAN MEMBERS OF COCOA FARMERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CFAN), OGUN STATE CHAPTER WHO WERE ON FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA (CRIN):
CALL FOR URGENT ACTION ON SECURITY AT THE COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA (CRIN).
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) wishes to formally address the unfortunate kidnapping incident that occurred on the 18th of March, 2026, involving a five-man members of the association, Ogun State Chapter during an official familiarisation visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The five-man delegation comprises of the following people: Apostle William Solomon, Rufus Megbowon, Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi, who were at the institute on a scheduled visit, encountered a distressing security breach while returning from the nursery section of the institute, as their vehicle was ambushed by arm-to-teeth kidnapping gang. While taking them into the bush, along the way, the duo of Apostle William Solomon and Rufus Megbowon were released on health grant, considered to be a divine arrangement, and the three others; Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi, were forcefully taken into the surrounding forest, creating a deeply troubling situation for the Association and the entire cocoa sector in Nigeria.
The organization expresses its profound appreciation to the management of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria for their prompt response by contacting relevant security agencies: The Nigeria Police Force – Oyo State Command, State Security Service (DSS) – Oyo State Command, Amotekun – Oyo State Command and the local hunters, who quickly mobilise a rescue mission and the duo of Apostle William Solomon, and Rufus Megbowon, were brought back to the administrative office of the institute and we understand that efforts are being made to rescue the remaining members of the association.
However, this incident once again highlights the growing insecurity that continues to plague Nigeria, particularly within the agricultural sector. Farmers, who are the backbone of food production and economic sustainability, now face increasing threats to their safety.
If this trend persists, it will inevitably discourage farmers from accessing their farmlands, agricultural institutes, thereby leading to reduced agricultural productivity and a potential rise in food scarcity across the nation.
Furthermore, the implications of this insecurity extend beyond farmers to critical institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.
The safety of staff and stakeholders within such institutions is paramount.
A compromised working environment may significantly hinder research activities, innovation, and the overall development of the cocoa industry, thereby setting back years of progress.
In light of the above, CFAN calls on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, particularly, the management of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria to take immediate and decisive steps to address the escalating insecurity affecting the institute.
We strongly advocate for enhanced security presence in farming communities and the institute, as well as the implementation of proactive strategies to curb kidnapping and related criminal activities.
Additionally, we appeal to the institute to urgently consider the complete fencing of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. Securing the institute’s perimeter will not only protect lives and property but also prevent its environment from being exploited for illicit activities.
We urge all relevant security operatives to intensify their efforts to rescue the remaining three victims, who are still at the kidnapper’s den to reconnect with their families.
The safety of every cocoa farmer regardless of his/her community in Nigeria is non-negotiable, and the time to act is now.
Signed:
Comrade Adeola Adegoke,
National President
Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN).
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