…Security agencies launch rescue operation
The younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been abducted by armed gunmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while on their way to school.
Confirming the incident, Adelabu’s Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, disclosed that the abduction occurred around 7:30 a.m. at Elewura area in Challenge, Ibadan. “Adelabu’s younger sister, together with her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped this morning by unknown gunmen at Elewura, Challenge, Ibadan”, Awogboro stated.
According to the family, Mrs. John-Paul was driving her children to school when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle and forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The incident has thrown the Adelabu family into deep distress, with relatives expressing concern over the safety and wellbeing of the victims while appealing to security agencies to intensify efforts toward their immediate rescue.
In a statement issued yesterday, the family confirmed the abduction and disclosed that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies had been notified immediately after the incident. “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.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing, the family said Chief Adelabu and other relatives remain hopeful that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The family also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts. “We respectfully appeal to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations. We also solicit prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period,” the statement added.
The family further urged anyone with useful information that could assist security agencies in their investigations to promptly report such details through the appropriate channels.
Meanwhile, security operatives have reportedly commenced a manhunt for the kidnappers as efforts continue to secure the safe release of the victims. The family assured that it would continue to cooperate fully with investigators and provide updates as developments unfold.
