Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons.
The victims, 43-year-old Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her sons, Peter and Paul, were seized at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while she was driving the children to school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adelabu, who described the situation as highly distressing for the family.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest child of Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, is a former employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her voluntary retirement last year, she had relocated to Ibadan with her children and was preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who lives in the United States of America.
Immediately after the abduction, the family contacted law enforcement authorities to launch an emergency response. “We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the family statement read, noting that all relevant security agencies are actively working to locate the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Chief Adelabu and his family expressed deep sadness over the incident but remain hopeful that the ongoing rescue operations will bring their loved ones home safely.
In the wake of the incident, the family urged the public to support law enforcement by sharing any relevant details through official channels.
They also cautioned against sharing unverified details online, noting that rumours could put the victims in greater danger. “We respectfully appeal to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardise ongoing security operations,” the statement concluded, while asking well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers during this challenging time.
