Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, identified as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
Awogboro disclosed that armed gunmen intercepted Mrs. John-Paul’s vehicle and forcefully took her and the two children away.
“Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. 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 said.
The statement further revealed that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Before her retirement last year, she served at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children and was preparing to join her husband, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family confirmed that security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the abduction.
According to the statement, security operatives have commenced investigations and are working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while pursuing those responsible for the crime.
“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 added.
The Adelabu family urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and support ongoing rescue efforts through prayers and credible information sharing.
They also appealed to anyone with useful information that could aid investigations to report it promptly through appropriate security channels.
The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in Oyo State. It comes weeks after more than 40 teachers and students were reportedly kidnapped during a coordinated attack on communities in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the latest abduction as investigations continue.
