Armed men abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship hopeful Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan South West LGA, according to a family statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro. Witnesses said the victims were attacked while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her sons, Peter and Paul, to school.
Family confirms, seeks calm
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu… wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read.
Mrs. John-Paul, youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, retired voluntarily last year from her job with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to join her husband, who lives in the United States.
The family said security agencies were notified immediately after the abduction. “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,” it added.
Adelabu and the family said they remain “hopeful and confident in the capacity of security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.” They appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to provide any useful details through official channels.
*Rising kidnapping concerns in Oyo*
The abduction is the latest in a string of kidnapping cases in Oyo State. In May 2026, more than 40 teachers and students were reportedly taken during an attack in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire LGA.
In December 2025, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was kidnapped in Ibadan by gunmen who arrived in a blue Micra and seized him from his office at PJ Square Shopping Complex, Akala Expressway. An eyewitness at the time said the “precision” of the attack caused deep concern in the community.
