The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and a leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has formally confirmed the kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and signed by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adelabu, the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of the day while Mrs. John-Paul was reportedly on her way to drop her children off at school.
The statement disclosed that the 43-year-old was abducted at approximately 7:30 a.m. by heavily armed gunmen who intercepted her movement within Ibadan metropolis. Her 12-year-old twin sons, who were inside the vehicle with her at the time, were also forcefully taken away by the kidnappers.
The development has since generated widespread concern among political associates, supporters, residents of Oyo State, and members of the public, especially amid growing national conversations surrounding insecurity and rising incidents of kidnapping across parts of Nigeria.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is described as the youngest among the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement in 2025, she reportedly had a distinguished professional career, having worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as First Bank Pension Custodian.
Family sources revealed that following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making plans to reunite with her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States of America.
The family noted that immediately after the incident was reported, relevant security and law enforcement agencies were promptly contacted. Security operatives, according to the statement, have already commenced investigations and intensified efforts aimed at rescuing the victims unharmed and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
Although visibly shaken by the tragic development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and members of the family expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.
“This is an extremely painful and distressing moment for the family,” the statement noted, while appealing to members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified reports capable of jeopardizing ongoing rescue operations.
The family also urged Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts with prayers, useful information, and cooperation with authorities.
Kidnapping has remained one of the major security challenges confronting several parts of Nigeria in recent years. Security analysts have repeatedly warned about the increasing boldness of criminal gangs targeting commuters, residents, and high-profile individuals for ransom operations. Oyo State, like several other states in the South-West region, has witnessed isolated cases of abduction in recent times, prompting renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community policing, and enhanced security surveillance.
Observers say the latest incident involving a prominent political family may further intensify public discourse on the state of security ahead of the 2027 general elections and deepen demands for more proactive measures from both federal and state authorities.
Meanwhile, the Adelabu family reiterated its commitment to fully cooperate with investigators and assured the public that updates would be communicated as developments unfold.
The statement further appealed to anyone with credible or useful information capable of assisting security agencies to immediately report through the appropriate law enforcement channels.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, while security agencies are yet to release an official public briefing on the incident.
The situation continues to attract reactions from political stakeholders, sympathizers, and concerned Nigerians who have taken to various social media platforms to express solidarity with the family and pray for the safe return of the victims.
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