Residents of Ibadan woke up to disturbing news on Wednesday morning after minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons were reportedly abducted by armed men in the Oyo State capital.
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Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons were kidnapped while reportedly on their way to school in Ibadan.
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Security agencies have launched rescue efforts as investigations into the incident continue.
According to information made available by the family, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan. Mrs. John-Paul was reportedly taking her sons, Peter and Paul, to school when gunmen intercepted them and forcefully took them away.
The abduction has sparked concern among residents and political observers, especially given the recent rise in kidnapping cases across Oyo State.
The incident was confirmed by Femi Awogboro, a media aide to former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu.
In a statement, he disclosed that the family was devastated by the development but remained optimistic that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims.
“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.
Awogboro further revealed that the family immediately alerted relevant security and law enforcement agencies after learning about the abduction.
“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted.
We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest.
Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” he stated.
The family noted that minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and her children remain at the center of ongoing rescue operations, with security personnel actively working to track down the perpetrators.
Awogboro added that Adelabu and other family members are deeply troubled by the incident but have confidence in the efforts of security agencies.
“Chief 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,” he said.
The family also appealed to Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified reports that could hinder ongoing investigations.
“The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations.
We also solicit prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period,” the statement added.
Before her retirement in 2025, Mrs. John-Paul reportedly worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her voluntary retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children and was said to be making plans to reunite with her husband in the United States.
The kidnapping of minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State.
The latest incident follows several high-profile abductions recorded in the state in recent months, including the kidnapping of dozens of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
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Security agencies have yet to release detailed findings regarding the incident. However, investigations are ongoing, and the family has urged anyone with useful information to cooperate with authorities through appropriate security channels.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the abduction.
Police spokesperson CSP Olayinka Ayanlade said he could not independently verify the details at the time but promised further clarification.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures across Oyo State as residents continue to express concern over the increasing threat of kidnapping and violent crime.
