Gunmen Abduct Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan; Family Urges Calm as Security Agencies Launch Manhunt

The family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons by armed gunmen in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children, Peter and Paul, to school.

According to a statement issued by the family, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. when heavily armed assailants intercepted the vehicle conveying the 43-year-old and her children, forcefully whisking them away to an unknown destination.

The development has thrown the Adelabu family into distress and heightened concerns over insecurity in the state.

Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, recently retired from public service after working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had relocated to Ibadan with her children following her retirement and was preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who resides in the United States.

The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and have since commenced investigations and rescue operations.

“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement said.

It added that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Despite the traumatic ordeal, the family expressed confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies to rescue Mrs. John-Paul and her children unharmed.

Chief Adelabu, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a leading contender in Oyo State’s political landscape, was said to be deeply saddened by the incident but remains hopeful that the victims would regain their freedom soon.

The family appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could undermine ongoing security operations.

They also called on Nigerians to offer prayers and support during the difficult period, while urging anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to report such details to the appropriate authorities.

Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the abduction as investigations continue.