I Wept for Kidnapped Oriire Pupils Before My Daughter Was Abducted— Adelabu’s Mother

Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, mother of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has shared an emotional account of how she wept over the plight of abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, only for her own daughter and twin grandsons to be kidnapped the following day.

The elderly woman made the revelation in a viral video circulated on social media following the safe rescue of her daughter, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons.

The victims were abducted by armed gunmen in Ibadan on June 3, 2026, while Mrs. Adegoke was reportedly taking her children to school. Their abduction sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, with family members, religious groups and well-wishers calling for their immediate release.

Reliving the painful experience, Mrs. Adelabu said she had been deeply disturbed by reports of the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area, which occurred shortly before her family’s ordeal.

According to her, she was moved to tears after watching videos and reports about the kidnapped pupils and teachers, never imagining that a similar tragedy would soon affect her own family.

“A day before my children’s incident, I wept bitterly when I saw those children on the phone, without knowing it would happen to me too the following day,” she said.

Speaking with visible relief after the rescue operation, Mrs. Adelabu expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of her daughter and grandsons.

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“Olaide, Peter’s mother, is my daughter, my last born. I am very happy, very happy. I give thanks to God for the mercy bestowed upon me.

“That I cried and saw helpers, and saw that my children were rescued unhurt; that my children came home in peace, and I can see all three of them. I thank all those involved in ensuring they were released,” she added.

The Adelabu family kidnapping attracted national attention, with security agencies launching an intensive search operation to locate the victims and apprehend the abductors.

After several days in captivity, the victims regained their freedom on Saturday night following an intelligence-led operation by security operatives. Authorities disclosed that the rescue mission led to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal gang.

Despite celebrating the safe return of her loved ones, Mrs. Adelabu said her thoughts remain with the Oriire abducted pupils and teachers who are still being held captive.

She offered prayers for their safe return and urged Nigerians not to forget families whose relatives remain in the hands of kidnappers.

“May God release them from captivity. I prayed for them too, just as I prayed for my children over the past five days. The God who freed my children from bondage will free others too. None of them will die there. They will all come home safely,” she said.

She also called for divine intervention to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity and rising cases of kidnapping in Nigeria.

“God will help stop such occurrences in Nigeria. God will help the government and Nigeria,” she prayed.

The rescue of Mrs. Adegoke and her children comes amid increasing concerns over the spread of kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of the country. Security experts have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing efforts to curb the activities of criminal gangs targeting schools, travellers and residents.

As celebrations continue within the Adelabu family, attention remains focused on the fate of other victims still in captivity, particularly the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, whose families continue to await their safe return.

I Wept for Kidnapped Oriire Pupils Before My Daughter Was Abducted— Adelabu’s Mother

Ogbomoso Chief Imam Denies Terrorism Allegations, Threatens Legal Action Against Defamers

The Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat, has dismissed allegations linking him to terrorism and other criminal activities, describing the claims as false, malicious, and orchestrated attempts to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Islamic cleric expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro, Esin-Ele, and Yawota communities, urging both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The Chief Imam reiterated his longstanding opposition to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, noting that he has consistently condemned such acts in sermons, lectures, and public engagements. He added that he has repeatedly advocated strict punishment for individuals found guilty of such offences.

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Reacting to the allegations circulating online, the cleric warned bloggers, vloggers, and social media users against associating his name with criminal activities without evidence. He disclosed that his legal team has already begun taking action against those responsible for what he described as defamatory and libelous publications.

The religious leader further vowed to pursue all available legal remedies against anyone who continues to spread the allegations, insisting that the claims are baseless and intended to damage his integrity.

He concluded by praying for the safe return of the abducted victims and for lasting peace and security across Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to promoting justice, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of human lives.

Ogbomoso Chief Imam Denies Terrorism Allegations, Threatens Legal Action Against Defamers

Katsina Confident of Rescue as Search Intensifies for Retired General, Wife

The Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, who were recently abducted by armed bandits, will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify coordinated rescue operations across the state.

The retired senior military officer and his wife were kidnapped along the Matazu axis of Katsina State, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminal groups operating across parts of the North-West.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said ongoing security operations had reached an advanced stage, raising hopes of a positive breakthrough in the coming days.

According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has directed all relevant security formations to prioritise the safe rescue of the retired general and his wife, alongside other victims currently held in captivity.

Preliminary findings by security agencies suggest that the abduction was a targeted and carefully planned operation. Authorities disclosed that intelligence gathered so far indicates the victims may have been monitored and trailed from Kaduna State, where they reportedly departed before the attack occurred.

Security officials described the development as evidence of increasingly sophisticated tactics adopted by armed groups in the region, noting that kidnapping networks are now relying on improved surveillance and coordinated planning to execute abductions.

The government said this emerging pattern has necessitated a more advanced response strategy, combining ground operations, intelligence gathering, and technological surveillance tools to track the abductors and locate the victims.

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“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response,” the statement said, adding that security agencies are working round the clock to ensure a breakthrough without endangering the lives of the captives.

The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of the retired general, his wife, and other abducted persons across the state, while also vowing that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.

It further appealed to residents to support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious movements and providing credible intelligence that could assist rescue operations.

Authorities confirmed that collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Police, and intelligence agencies has been strengthened, with joint operations intensified across known criminal corridors believed to be used by the abductors.

The government also urged the family of the retired general and residents of Katsina State to remain calm, assuring them that all available security resources are being deployed to ensure a successful rescue operation.

Meanwhile, security sources say operations are ongoing across identified escape routes, as troops and tactical units expand search efforts into border communities where kidnappers are believed to be hiding.

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed banditry and kidnappings for ransom continue to pose major challenges to security forces despite ongoing military offensives.

Katsina Confident of Rescue as Search Intensifies for Retired General, Wife