The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a full-scale rescue operation following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power and prominent Oyo governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, Mrs. Busayo John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped by suspected gunmen on Wednesday morning while she was taking the children to school along the Ring Road area of Ibadan.
The brazen daylight attack has triggered widespread concern among residents and stakeholders, further highlighting growing fears over the security situation in Oyo State and the increasing incidence of kidnapping across the region.
Security operatives have since recovered the victims’ abandoned vehicle, while tactical police teams have been deployed to strategic locations to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police immediately directed an intensive rescue and investigation effort after receiving reports of the kidnapping.
According to Ayanlade, officers from the Challenge Division, alongside other tactical units, were mobilised to the scene where the victims’ vehicle was recovered.
“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,” he stated.
He assured residents that the command had deployed all available resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
“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 added.
The police also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the Adelabu family formally confirmed the abduction in a statement issued by the former minister’s media aide, Femi Awogboro.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu 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 said.
Describing the incident as traumatic and distressing, the family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the victims’ safe return.
“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 their safe release,” the statement added.
The family also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours that could jeopardise rescue efforts.
The abduction has drawn reactions from political figures and stakeholders, many of whom described the incident as another indication of worsening insecurity in Oyo State.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to strengthen the state’s security framework and improve coordination with law enforcement agencies.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party expressed concern over what it described as a growing wave of kidnapping incidents across the state.
The APC cited previous cases involving teachers, students and research institute personnel, warning that residents were becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks.
“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety. As it stands today, many residents feel unsafe, and recent events have further heightened those concerns,” the statement read.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the abduction, describing it as further proof that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most urgent national challenges.
According to Atiku, the successful execution of such an operation in a busy urban area underscores the need for intelligence-driven security reforms.
“Kidnappers do not discriminate. They do not ask for party affiliation before striking. The growing threat affects all Nigerians regardless of status, profession or political leaning,” he stated.
Also reacting, APC governorship aspirant Ololade Bakare sympathised with the Adelabu family and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. All available resources and strategic interventions must be activated immediately to ensure their safe return,” Bakare said.
As security agencies continue their search for the abductors, residents have renewed calls for decisive action to curb kidnapping and violent crime, restore public confidence and safeguard lives and property across Oyo State.
