Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, in a brazen attack in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victims, identified as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the children to school in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers ambushed her vehicle around the Elewura axis of Challenge, firing several shots into the air to disperse residents and passers-by. The gunfire reportedly caused panic in the area, forcing traders and residents to flee for safety, while business activities were temporarily disrupted.
According to witnesses, the armed men forced Mrs. John-Paul out of her vehicle and whisked her and the children away in a separate vehicle brought by the abductors.
Confirming the incident, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the family was deeply distressed by the abduction. He disclosed that Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
The statement further revealed that the victim previously worked with Central Bank of Nigeria and First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited before voluntarily retiring last year. She had since relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to reunite with her husband, John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family stated that security agencies were immediately notified and that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible. They also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that could hinder ongoing rescue operations.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in Oyo State. In recent months, the state has witnessed several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area and the abduction of APC chieftain Wale Oriade in Ibadan.
Reacting to reports of the incident, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately verify the development, stating that efforts were being made to ascertain the details.