Unknown armed men have abducted former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu’s sister, children in Oyo during an early morning ambush in the state capital.
The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul—the younger sister of the Adelabu—and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
According to an official statement released by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the terrifying incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Mrs. John-Paul was conducting a routine school run, driving her children from the Elewura area in Challenge, Ibadan, to link up with the expressway.
Confirming the abduction of Adelabu’s sister and children, Awogboro, said, “The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of APC 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, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
“Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident.
“Mrs. Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.
“Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.”
“Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident.
“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. We are pleased to confirm that 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.
“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 read.
The family, therefore, appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardise ongoing security operations.
It also solicited prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period.
The family further urged anyone with useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigation to promptly report such information through the appropriate channels.
The statement added, “The family will continue to cooperate fully with security authorities and will provide further updates as events unfold.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the abduction of Adelabu’s sister and children in Oyo State comes days after over 40 teachers and students were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a coordinated attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
It will also be recalled that a chieftain of APC in the state, Wale Oriade, was abducted by armed men in Ibadan, the state capital, in December, 2025.
