Gunmen have abducted the wife and twin children of a relative of former Nigerian Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant for the 2027 Oyo State election, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. The incident occurred Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State, while the victims were traveling in the city.
Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that the victims were Adelabu’s younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. He said they were taken at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was on her way to drop the children at school. Armed men reportedly intercepted her vehicle and forced the family away.
Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before retiring last year. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband, who had earlier moved to the United States.
Awogboro described the abduction as deeply distressing for the family and said it underscores the growing insecurity in Nigeria. He noted that the incident has shaken the community and called for urgent action from authorities to secure the victims’ release.
Security agencies were immediately notified, and operatives have begun preliminary investigations. Officials confirmed that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible. Authorities said they are treating the case as a priority and have mobilized resources to track the kidnappers.
The kidnapping has sparked widespread concern in Ibadan and beyond, adding to fears about rising abductions across Nigeria. The case highlights the vulnerability of families and the urgent need for stronger measures to combat insecurity, which has become a recurring challenge in several parts of the country.
