Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan, the state capital.
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The victim, identified as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, was reportedly kidnapped with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 7:30 a.m. while she was on her way to drop the children at school.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen waylaid her vehicle in the Elewura area of Challenge and fired shots sporadically to scare residents and passers-by.
According to a witness, business and other activities in the area were temporarily halted as people fled for safety.
“Our attention was drawn to the scene by the sound of gunfire that rent the atmosphere. Business and other related activities in the area were temporarily put on hold as people scampered for safety,” the witness said.
The witness added that the woman was forced out of her Kia Sonata vehicle and taken away with her children in a vehicle brought by the abductors.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the family was deeply distressed by the abduction.
“The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026,” the statement read.
The statement said Mrs John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of the five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
It added that before her voluntary retirement last year, she had worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to eventually join her husband, Mr John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States.
The family said all relevant security and law enforcement agencies had been contacted 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 added.
Adelabu and his family appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing security operations.
They also solicited prayers and support from Nigerians and urged anyone with useful information to report to the appropriate authorities.
The abduction comes amid rising concern over kidnappings in Oyo State.
On May 15, 2026, several pupils and teachers were abducted during a coordinated attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In December 2025, an APC chieftain in the state, Wale Oriade, was also abducted by armed men at his office around Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan.
Reacting to inquiries on the latest incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not independently verify the development at the time.
“I cannot independently verify this for now, but please hold on,” he said.
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