• Gunmen kidnapped former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu's sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons in Ibadan
• The Adelabu family appealed for calm and urged the public not to spread unverified information
• The incident adds to growing concerns about kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State

The family of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons in Ibadan.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday, June 3, in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

In a statement issued by Adelabu's media aide, Femi Awogboro, the family disclosed that the 43-year-old woman and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were seized by armed men at about 7:30 a.m.

"The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of APC 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, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026," the statement said.

According to the family, Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children born to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Before voluntarily retiring in 2025, she had worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.

The statement explained that after retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children and was making plans to reunite with her husband in the United States.

Security agencies were immediately alerted following the incident, and investigations have commenced.

"Immediately the incident was reported, 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," the family stated.

Authorities are currently working to secure the release of the victims and track down those responsible for the crime.

Despite the distressing development, the family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to rescue Mrs. John-Paul and her children safely.

"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 statement added.

The family also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts. It urged anyone with useful information to report it through appropriate security channels.

The incident has renewed concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State.

In May 2026, more than 40 teachers and students were reportedly abducted during an attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

Similarly, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was kidnapped in Ibadan in December 2025 after armed men reportedly stormed his office and whisked him away.

Reacting to the latest incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said, "I cannot independently verify this for now, but please hold on."

YCE condemn Oyo school abductions, call for urgent South-West security action

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Yoruba Council of Elders condemned the coordinated abduction of pupils, students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The group called on the Federal Government to deploy security forces and intelligence resources to ensure the safe release of all abducted victims. It also urged South-West governors to strengthen regional security cooperation, empower Amotekun, and establish joint intelligence systems to prevent further attacks.