By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Gunmen have abducted Olaide John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State, prompting a swift security response.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 at about 7:30am while the 43-year-old was on her way to drop the children at school, according to a statement by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro.
Awogboro said the victims identified as Peter and Paul were taken by armed men during the attack.
“The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident,” he said.
He described John-Paul as the youngest of Olufunmilayo Adelabu’s five children, noting that she previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
Following her retirement, he added, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband in the United States.
Awogboro said security agencies were immediately alerted and had commenced investigations.
“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” he said.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”
He added that Adelabu and his family were deeply distressed but remained hopeful of a safe rescue.
He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
“The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations,” he said.
Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed it had launched an investigation.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police said the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside tactical teams, to the scene where the victims’ vehicle was recovered.
“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police… directed the DPO, Challenge Division… to proceed to the scene… and commence intensive investigations,” the statement read.
The command assured that all necessary resources had been deployed to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects.
“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,” it added.
Police said investigations were ongoing and urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information to support efforts.
