Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, the state capital.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the mother and her children were abducted by armed men at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the boys to school.
The incident reportedly occurred in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of APC in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026,” the statement said.
It added that the gunmen forcefully seized Mrs. John-Paul and her children before whisking them away to an unknown destination.
Family appeals for calm
The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately notified following the abduction and that rescue efforts had already commenced.
“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,” the statement noted.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The family described the incident as distressing and appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise ongoing security operations.
It also called on anyone with useful information to assist investigators by reporting through the appropriate channels.
Victim recently retired from banking sector
According to the family, Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
She previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to join her husband in the United States.
Growing insecurity concerns
The abduction comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in Oyo State.
Last month, more than 40 teachers and pupils were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, while several other kidnapping incidents have been reported across the state in recent months.
In December 2025, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was also abducted by gunmen from his office along the Akala Expressway axis of Ibadan.
When contacted earlier on Wednesday, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately verify the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not announced any arrests, and it remains unclear whether the abductors have made contact with the family or issued any ransom demand.
The family said it would continue to cooperate with security agencies and provide updates as developments unfold.
