[UPDATED] JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan (VIDEO)

JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

The sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been abducted by gunmen in Ibadan, raising fresh concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings in Oyo State.

The victims, identified as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men intercepted Mrs. John-Paul’s vehicle while she was taking her children to school. The attackers reportedly forced the family out of the vehicle before whisking them away to an unknown destination, leaving residents and commuters in shock.

Confirming the incident, a media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said the family was devastated by the development but remained hopeful that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims.

In a statement made available to journalists, Awogboro disclosed that Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

He noted that before her voluntary retirement in 2025, she had worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later with First Bank Pension Custodian.

According to the family, Mrs. John-Paul had recently relocated from Abuja to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States.

“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 read.

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Awogboro revealed that immediately after the abduction was reported, relevant security and law enforcement agencies were contacted, leading to the launch of investigations and rescue efforts.

He stated that security operatives had already commenced preliminary investigations and were working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those behind the crime.

“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children,” the statement added.

The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could compromise ongoing security operations.

It also called on Nigerians to keep the victims in their prayers and support efforts aimed at ensuring their safe return.

The family further urged anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to promptly report such information through the appropriate security channels.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has acknowledged reports of the abduction.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, initially said he could not independently verify the incident but later confirmed that security agencies had swung into action and investigations were ongoing.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, while there was no official confirmation of any ransom demand.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the worsening security situation in Oyo State, where several high-profile kidnappings have occurred in recent months.

The abduction comes barely weeks after more than 40 students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped during attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The development also rekindles memories of the December 2025 abduction of APC chieftain Wale Oriade, who was kidnapped by armed men at his office along the Akala Expressway area of Ibadan.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the rising cases of kidnapping in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State require urgent intervention through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and increased security presence in vulnerable communities.

For now, family members, political associates and well-wishers remain anxious as security agencies intensify efforts to locate Mrs. John-Paul and her children and ensure their safe return.