Gunmen have kidnapped the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims, identified as Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were reportedly abducted on Wednesday morning in the Elewura area of Challenge while she was taking the children to school.
The incident was confirmed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, in a statement issued shortly after the abduction.
According to the statement, the armed men struck at about 7:30 a.m., intercepting Mrs John-Paul and her sons before taking them to an unknown location.
“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. Security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,” the statement read.
The family described the development as deeply distressing, noting that Adelabu and other relatives have been left shaken by the incident.
Despite the ordeal, the family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also appealed to the public to avoid circulating unverified reports that could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.
The family urged anyone with credible information that could assist security operatives to contact the appropriate authorities immediately.
According to the statement, Mrs John-Paul, 43, previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before retiring last year.
After her retirement, she reportedly relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband, who resides in the United States.
The abduction has further heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The incident comes only weeks after the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a case that sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
Oyo State has also witnessed other high-profile abductions in recent months. In December 2025, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was reportedly kidnapped by armed men in Ibadan, adding to concerns about the increasing boldness of criminal groups operating within the state.
As investigations continue, family members and well-wishers remain hopeful that Mrs John-Paul and her children will be rescued unharmed.
The latest incident has once again drawn attention to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, with many citizens calling for urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property across the country.
