Tension gripped Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday after armed kidnappers abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons.
The victims, identified as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were reportedly seized by gunmen while heading to school in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the abduction occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The statement revealed that Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was driving her children to school when armed men intercepted and forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the family described the development as heartbreaking and appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing efforts aimed at securing the victims’ safe return.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was abducted by armed gunmen while taking her children to school. The kidnappers also took away her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were with her at the time of the incident,” the statement said.
The family noted that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Before retiring voluntarily in 2025, she reportedly had a distinguished career with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to reunite with her husband, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident was reported and have already commenced investigations.
According to the statement, law enforcement operatives have swung into action, with efforts ongoing to rescue the victims and track down 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 ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children,” the statement added.
The family urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise rescue operations.
It also appealed to anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the victims to contact the appropriate security authorities.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in Oyo State.
The incident comes barely weeks after more than 40 teachers and schoolchildren were abducted during an attack on a community in Oriire Local Government Area.
It also follows the December 2025 kidnapping of APC chieftain Wale Oriade, who was reportedly abducted by gunmen at his office along Akala Expressway in Ibadan.
Security experts and residents have continued to call for stronger measures to tackle the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across the state.
As investigations continue, family members, friends, and political associates of Adelabu are anxiously awaiting positive news regarding the safe return of the victims.
