Armed men have abducted the sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was on her way to drop her children at school when the assailants intercepted her and forcefully took her and the children away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the development, the media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said the family had alerted security agencies immediately after the incident, adding that efforts had begun to secure the release of the victims.
He said the family was in distress but remained hopeful that the abducted mother and her children would be rescued safely.
“The family wishes to confirm the unfortunate abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons. Security agencies have been informed and are actively working on their safe return,” the statement said.
The statement further revealed that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu and had previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
It added that after her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt ongoing security operations.
It also urged anyone with useful information to promptly report to security agencies to aid rescue efforts.
“We are confident that security operatives are doing everything possible to ensure their safe return and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the family added.
The incident adds to a growing concern over kidnapping cases in Oyo State.
In May 2026, more than 40 teachers and students were abducted during a coordinated attack in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, while in December 2025, an APC chieftain, Wale Oriade, was also kidnapped in Ibadan by armed men who stormed his office along Akala Expressway.
The Oyo State Police Command said it could not immediately confirm the latest incident, noting that verification was still ongoing.
As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue a full statement, while efforts to track and rescue the victims continued.
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