Police Give Fresh Update on Abduction of Ex-Minister Adelabu’s Relative in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has intensified efforts to rescue the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons after they were kidnapped by gunmen in Ibadan on Wednesday morning.

The victims, Mrs. Busayo John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were abducted around 7:30 a.m. while she was driving them to school along the busy Ring Road area of the state capital.

Security operatives have recovered the vehicle used by the victims. Tactical units have been deployed to strategic locations as investigations continue.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police ordered a coordinated response after receiving the report.

“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations,” Ayanlade said.

“The command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act.”

He urged residents to provide credible information that could assist in tracking the kidnappers and securing the victims’ release.

Earlier, Femi Awogboro, a media aide to Adelabu, confirmed the abduction in a statement on behalf of the family.

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read.

It described the incident as painful and shocking but expressed confidence in security agencies to secure their release.

“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.”

The family appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports that could disrupt rescue operations.

The abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, with political stakeholders demanding urgent action on rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime.

The Oyo APC, in a statement by Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and review the state’s security framework.

Sadare said residents are increasingly worried about abductions across the state. He cited unresolved cases involving teachers and students kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, and staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria abducted in Oluyole Local Government Area.

“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety, as is the situation with the residents of Oyo at the moment. As it stands, nobody is safe anywhere in the state, and it has never been this bad,” the party said.

The APC also referenced the kidnapping of party chieftain Wale Oriade in Ibadan late last year, arguing that recent incidents point to a worsening security challenge.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the abduction as further evidence of deepening insecurity nationwide.

In a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the attack showed no category of citizens is insulated from criminal gangs.

“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country,” Atiku said.

“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking. They do not distinguish between APC members and opposition supporters. They do not care whether their victims are ministers, former ministers, traders, teachers, students or farmers.”

He said insecurity has become a national challenge requiring urgent, coordinated action and called on the Federal Government to adopt a more robust intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore public confidence.

“The same insecurity that has turned the lives of ordinary Nigerians into a daily nightmare is now knocking on doors many in government may have assumed were beyond its reach,” he added.

APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, sympathized with Adelabu and his family and urged security agencies to spare no effort in ensuring the victims regain their freedom.

“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and all available resources and strategic interventions must be deployed without delay,” Bakare said.

He appealed to residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities. “Collective vigilance remains a critical component in enhancing community safety,” he added.