The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
Mrs. John-Paul, 43, who is described as the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, was kidnapped alongside the twins on Wednesday morning while conveying them to school.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around the Bolumole area of Ring Road in Ibadan.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued in Ibadan, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the abduction took place at about 7:30 a.m.
He disclosed that armed gunmen intercepted Mrs. John-Paul and forcefully took her away along with the two boys.
The incident has reportedly sent shockwaves through the family and the political community in Oyo State, considering Adelabu’s profile as a former minister and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful.
Awogboro stated that the matter had been reported to the relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the development, Adelabu said the family was deeply distressed by the incident but remained hopeful that the victims would regain their freedom safely.
He appealed to Nigerians to remember the family in their prayers during the difficult period.
The family also urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could undermine ongoing security efforts, stressing the need for caution in sharing details on social media.
Speaking on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that investigations had commenced.
According to him, following the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer of the Challenge Division, along with other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and begin intensive investigations.
Ayanlade assured residents that all necessary resources had been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Command urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with the Police by providing any useful information that may assist ongoing investigations,” he said.
