Gunmen Abduct Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident in a statement, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Mr. Femi Awogboro, said the victims were abducted at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

According to the statement, armed men intercepted the vehicle conveying the victims and forcefully took them away. Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu and had previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.

Awogboro stated that security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the incident and had since commenced investigations. He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

He said Adelabu and members of his family were deeply distressed by the development but remained confident in the ability of security agencies to rescue Mrs. John-Paul and her children unharmed.

The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue operations. It also called for prayers and support from Nigerians while urging anyone with useful information to report it to the appropriate security authorities.

The incident adds to growing concerns over 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, an APC chieftain, Wale Oriade, was kidnapped in Ibadan in December 2025.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the latest abduction.