By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the abduction of Mrs. Busayo John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul. Gunmen kidnapped the victims on Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m. on Ring Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school. Police have deployed tactical teams to rescue the victims and arrest the kidnappers.
Police Deploy Tactical Teams for Rescue Operation
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer of Challenge Division and tactical teams to move to the scene.
Security operatives recovered the victim’s vehicle and began intensive investigations.
Ayanlade assured residents that the police had committed all necessary resources to securing the victims’ safe release.
“The command has deployed all available resources to rescue the victims and apprehend those behind the crime,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to provide useful information that could support ongoing investigations.
Adelabu Family Confirms Kidnapping
Earlier, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction.
He described the incident as distressing and painful for the family.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu formally confirms the kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” Awogboro stated.
He added that Adelabu and his family remain hopeful that security agencies will secure the victims’ release.
The family also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could affect rescue efforts.
APC Demands Stronger Security Measures
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen security across the state.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party urged the government to review the state’s security architecture.
The APC noted that the latest abduction followed other unresolved kidnapping cases in the state.
The party referenced the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area. It also mentioned the kidnapping of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area.
According to the APC, residents now live in fear due to the rising insecurity.
“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety,” the party stated.
The opposition party also recalled the abduction of its chieftain, Wale Oriade, in Ibadan in December 2025.
Atiku Blames Worsening National Insecurity
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the incident.
In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the abduction as another sign of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
He argued that kidnappers now operate with increasing boldness.
“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation,” Atiku said.
He stressed that criminals target citizens regardless of political affiliation or social status.
“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking,” he added.
Atiku further called on the Federal Government to adopt an intelligence-driven strategy to combat insecurity.
According to him, authorities must dismantle kidnapping networks, secure vulnerable communities, and restore public confidence.
APC Governorship Aspirant Calls for Urgent Action
Also reacting, APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, expressed sympathy to Adelabu and his family.
He called for immediate intervention by security agencies.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated,” Bakare said.
He urged security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the release of the victims.
Bakare also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.
He noted that community cooperation remains essential in improving public safety.
