The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs Busayo John-Paul, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul.
Busayo, 43, and her 12-year-old sons were reportedly kidnapped by armed men at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while she was taking the children to school along Ring Road in Ibadan.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had mobilised tactical teams and other operational resources to facilitate the rescue of the victims and apprehend those behind the crime.
He said, “Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations.
“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 for this criminal act.”
The police spokesman also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.
Earlier, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read.
Awogboro described the incident as painful and unfortunate but said the family remained optimistic that security agencies would secure the safe release of the victims.
“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,” he added.
The family also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing rescue operations.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to address the growing insecurity in the state.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party urged the state government to review its security framework to guarantee the protection of lives and property.
The APC noted that the latest incident occurred amid concerns over unresolved kidnapping cases involving teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as two workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area.
“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety, as is the situation with the residents of Oyo at the moment.
“As it stands, nobody is safe anywhere in the state, and it has never been this bad,” the party stated.
The opposition party also recalled the abduction of one of its chieftains, Wale Oriade, in Ibadan in December 2025.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the incident, describing it as further proof of the worsening security situation across the country.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the abduction highlighted the reality that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of status or political affiliation.
“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country.
“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking. They do not distinguish between APC members and opposition supporters. They do not care whether their victims are ministers, former ministers, traders, teachers, students or farmers,” he said.
He added, “The same insecurity that has turned the lives of ordinary Nigerians into a daily nightmare is now knocking on doors many in government may have assumed were beyond its reach.”
Atiku further urged the Federal Government to adopt a more effective intelligence-based approach to tackling insecurity nationwide.
“We need a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy capable of dismantling kidnapping syndicates, securing vulnerable communities and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives and property,” he said.
Also commenting on the incident, APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, expressed sympathy to Adelabu and his family while calling for immediate action to secure the release of the victims.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and all available resources and strategic interventions must be deployed without delay,” Bakare said.
He also advised residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities or movements to relevant security agencies.
“Collective vigilance remains a critical component in enhancing community safety,” he added.
