BREAKING: Gunmen Abduct Ex-Minister Adelabu’s Sister, twin sons in Ibadan

Crime Diary

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — 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 victims were identified as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s Media Aide, Femi Awogboro, the abduction occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while Mrs John-Paul was taking her children to school.

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“The abductors forcefully took away Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons while they were on their way to school,” the statement said.

Awogboro described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that security agencies had been notified and were already investigating the matter.

“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were contacted. Security operatives have swung into action, and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” he said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.

According to the family, she relocated to Ibadan with her children after retirement while making plans to join her husband, who had earlier relocated to the United States.

Adelabu and members of his family expressed deep concern over the incident but said they remained confident that security agencies would secure the safe rescue of the victims.

The latest abduction comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State.

The incident follows the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, numbering no fewer than 39, in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area, where the victims have remained in captivity for weeks. The abduction sparked protests by teachers and concerned citizens across the country, with demonstrators calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims and improve security around the school environment across the country.