Adelabu family confirms kidnap of sister, children calls for public support, prayers

The family of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her two children by armed gunmen in Ibadan.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the incident occurred in the early hours of June 3, 2026, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

The family disclosed that the 43-year-old woman was kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. by heavily armed assailants who intercepted her along her route. Her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were in the vehicle with her, were also forcibly taken by the abductors.

The development has thrown the family into distress and heightened concerns over the security situation in the state.

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Before her retirement last year, she had built a distinguished career in the financial sector, serving at both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 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 moved to the United States.

The family stated that security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the incident and have since commenced investigations and rescue efforts.

According to the statement, security operatives have already swung into action, with preliminary inquiries underway to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.

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“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement said.

The family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to bring the situation under control and secure the safe return of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.

While describing the incident as painful and traumatic, Adelabu and other family members urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports that could compromise ongoing operations.

They also appealed to Nigerians to offer prayers and support during what they described as a difficult period for the family.

The family further called on anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to promptly provide such details to the appropriate security agencies.

Reaffirming its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement authorities, the family said it would continue to support ongoing investigations and provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.

The abduction adds to growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in parts of the country, with security agencies under increasing pressure to curb the activities of criminal groups targeting civilians and high-profile individuals.