Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Oyo State following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading APC governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her two children in Ibadan.
The victims, identified as 43-year-old Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped by armed gunmen on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school. The assailants intercepted the family and forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The Adelabu family confirmed the abduction and described the incident as a deeply distressing development. They revealed that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Before her retirement last year, she worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband in the United States.
The family disclosed that security agencies were immediately notified after the attack and have since launched investigations and rescue operations. Authorities are reportedly working to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
Expressing confidence in the security agencies, the family appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing rescue efforts.
They also called on Nigerians to support the family with prayers and urged anyone with useful information to report it through the appropriate security channels.
The kidnapping has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
Residents have continued to express fears over increasing incidents of abduction and violent crime. The latest incident comes just weeks after reports that more than 40 teachers and students were kidnapped during an attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.
As security operatives intensify efforts to secure the release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children, many residents are calling for stronger measures to address the growing threat of kidnapping and ensure the safety of citizens across the state.
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