The Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Busayo John-Paul, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul.
43-years-old Mrs John-Paul, and her 12-year-old sons were reportedly abducted by gunmen around 7:30am on Wednesday while she was taking the children to school along Ring Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had deployed tactical teams and intelligence resources to rescue the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
“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,” Mr Ayanlade stated.
“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.”
The police also appealed to residents to provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Adelabu family confirms abduction
Earlier, one of Mr Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, 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 read.
Mr Awogboro described the incident as distressing but expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
The family also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardise rescue efforts.
APC raises alarm over insecurity in Oyo
Reacting to the incident, the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to address rising insecurity across the state.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party called for a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture.
The APC noted that the latest abduction comes amid unresolved kidnapping cases involving teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area.
“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety, as is the situation with the residents of Oyo at the moment. As it stands, nobody is safe anywhere in the state, and it has never been this bad,” the party stated.
The opposition party also referenced the abduction of APC chieftain Wale Oriade in Ibadan in December 2025.
Atiku reacts to kidnapping
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the abduction as evidence of worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the incident showed that no one is immune from the country’s kidnapping crisis.
“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country,” he said.
“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking. They do not distinguish between APC members and opposition supporters.”
He called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive intelligence-driven security strategy capable of dismantling kidnapping syndicates and restoring public confidence.
Calls for vigilance
Also reacting, APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, sympathised with the Adelabu family and urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and all available resources and strategic interventions must be deployed without delay,” Mr Bakare said.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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