Armed gunmen on Wednesday abducted Mrs Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Chief Bayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Bolumole area of Ring Road, Ibadan, while Mrs John-Paul was reportedly taking her children to school.
Mrs John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Mr Femi Awogboro, media aide to Chief Adelabu, said the victims were intercepted and forcefully taken away by armed men.
“Armed gunmen intercepted Mrs John-Paul in Ibadan and forcefully took her away with the twins, who were with her at the time,” the statement said.
The abduction has generated concern within the family and across Oyo State, given Chief Adelabu’s political profile as a former minister and a leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the incident, Chief Adelabu described the development as distressing and appealed to Nigerians to pray for the safe release of the victims.
The family also urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from sharing unverified information that could compromise ongoing rescue efforts and security operations.
The incident has been reported to relevant security agencies, which have commenced investigations.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Alayande, confirmed that efforts were underway to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Challenge Division and other tactical teams to the scene, where the victims’ vehicle was recovered.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Alayande said.
He appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and provide useful information that could assist the police in their investigations.
