Gunmen have abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The family confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro.
According to the statement, Mrs. John-Paul, 43, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while she was taking the children to school in Ibadan. The armed assailants reportedly intercepted and forcefully whisked away the victims.
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement in 2025, she worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had recently relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, in the United States.
The family disclosed that security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified following the incident and have since commenced investigations.
“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.
The family expressed deep concern over the abduction but said it remained hopeful that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims.
Adelabu and his family appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from speculation that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
They also called on anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to report such details through appropriate security channels.
The family pledged its full cooperation with security agencies and said further updates would be provided as developments unfold.