The younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has been kidnapped alongside 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 abducted by armed gunmen on Wednesday morning while heading to school.
Confirming the incident, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, disclosed that the abduction occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in Ibadan.
According to the statement, Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was driving her children to school when the gunmen intercepted them and forcefully took them away.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement said.
Awogboro noted that security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and have since commenced investigations.
“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 added.
The Adelabu family described the development as distressing but expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.
The family also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from sharing unverified information that could compromise ongoing rescue efforts.
The incident has renewed concerns about rising insecurity and kidnapping cases in Oyo State.
The abduction comes months after APC chieftain Wale Oriade was kidnapped by armed men in Ibadan in December 2025. Oriade was reportedly abducted at his office located at the PJ Square Shopping Complex along Akala Expressway by gunmen who arrived in a blue Micra vehicle.
With two high-profile kidnapping incidents linked to political figures within months, questions are once again being raised about the growing security challenges facing residents of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release detailed information on the ongoing rescue operation.
