IBADAN, OYO STATE — Gunmen have reportedly abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were allegedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday in the Challenge area of the Oyo State capital.
Confirming the incident in a statement, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, said the victims were seized by armed men at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
According to the statement, the gunmen forcefully whisked away the mother and her children, sparking concern among family members and residents.
Awogboro described Mrs. John-Paul as the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. He noted that she previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
“Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States,” the statement said.
The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately notified after the incident and have since commenced investigations and rescue operations.
“All relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. 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 added.
The family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately verify the incident.
“I cannot independently verify this for now, but please hold on,” he said.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping incidents in parts of Oyo State, as residents continue to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
Details later.
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