By BONIFACE AKARAH

The family of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons by armed gunmen in Ibadan.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the family said the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of June 3, 2026.

According to the statement, Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was abducted at about 7:30 a.m. while taking her children to school in Ibadan. The gunmen were said to have also taken away her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were with her at the time.

The family described the incident as tragic and distressing, noting that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies had been contacted immediately after the abduction.

Awogboro stated that security operatives had already commenced investigations and were working to secure the safe rescue of the victims.

“Security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement said.

The family disclosed that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. It added that she previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited before voluntarily retiring last year.

According to the statement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children after retirement while making plans to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.

Reacting to the incident, the family said Adelabu and other relatives were deeply troubled by the development but remained confident in the ability of security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

“Chief Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and 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 the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could compromise ongoing rescue efforts.

It also urged anyone with useful information to contact security agencies through appropriate channels to assist in the investigation.

The family said it would continue to cooperate with security authorities and provide updates as developments unfold.

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