Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, family members said Wednesday.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while she was taking the children to school.
The abduction was confirmed in a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026,” the statement said.
According to the family, armed men intercepted Mrs. John-Paul and forcibly took her and the children away.
“Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan.
The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident,” the statement added.
The family said security and law enforcement agencies were immediately alerted and have launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. Security operatives have swung into action, and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement said.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The family described the incident as distressing but expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the victims’ release.
“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children,” the statement said.
The family appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow security agencies to carry out ongoing investigations. It also urged anyone with useful information to report it through appropriate channels.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of the Adelabu family, previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before taking voluntary retirement last year. She had since relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband, who resides in the United States.
The kidnapping adds to growing security concerns in Oyo State, where authorities have faced increasing pressure to curb abductions and violent crime.
Security agencies have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the latest incident.