Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her children, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the Challenge area of Ibadan while she was taking the boys to school.
In a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the family confirmed the incident and described it as a distressing development. Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of the Adelabu family and previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before retiring last year.
According to the statement, security agencies were immediately notified and have commenced investigations aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators. The family expressed confidence in the capacity of security operatives to secure their safe release.
Adelabu and his relatives appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and support ongoing rescue efforts through prayers and credible information-sharing with security authorities.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State. In May, more than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during an attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, sparking nationwide protests by teachers and civil society groups.
The state has also witnessed other high-profile kidnappings in recent months. In December 2025, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was abducted by armed men from his office along Akala Expressway in Ibadan before later regaining freedom.
Police authorities said they were still verifying details surrounding the latest abduction as investigations continue. Security agencies have yet to release further information on the kidnappers or any contact made with the family.
