Adelabu’s sister, children abducted in Ibadan

Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, the state capital. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. Confirming the abduction in a statement, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, identified the victims as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. According to the statement, “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 family said Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was abducted while taking her children to school. “Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident,” the statement said. Providing further background on the victim, the family noted that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu and had worked in the financial sector before her retirement. The statement read, “Mrs. Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.” It added, “Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.” The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and have commenced efforts to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators. “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. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement said. Expressing confidence in the security agencies, the family stated: “Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.” The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise ongoing rescue efforts. It also called for prayers and support from Nigerians, while urging anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to make such information available to security agencies through appropriate channels. “The family will continue to cooperate fully with security authorities and will provide further updates as events unfold,” the statement added. The abduction comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State. In May, more than 40 teachers and students were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. Authorities later launched operations aimed at securing their release and restoring calm to the area.