From Hosea Parah
The family of former Minister of Power and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons by armed gunmen in Ibadan.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Adelabu’s Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was on her way to drop her children at school.
The kidnappers reportedly intercepted her vehicle and forcefully whisked away the 43-year-old mother alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to an unknown destination.
The family described the incident as a tragic and distressing development, noting that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified following the abduction.
“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 read.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, retired voluntarily last year after a distinguished career at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States.
The family said Chief Adelabu and his relatives remain hopeful that security agencies will secure the safe release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations without interference.
The statement further urged anyone with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations to report such details through the appropriate security channels.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, while security authorities were continuing efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The Adelabu family pledged full cooperation with security agencies and assured the public that further updates would be provided as developments unfold.