The Oyo State Police Command has launched an intensive rescue operation following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, Mrs Busayo John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while she was driving the children to school along the Ring Road area of the Oyo State capital.
As concerns mount over the incident, the police said tactical teams have been deployed across strategic locations, while investigators have already recovered the victims’ vehicle abandoned by the kidnappers.
Confirming the development, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate coordinated response upon receiving reports of the attack.
According to him, officers from the Challenge Division and other specialised units were mobilised to the scene to commence intensive investigations and track down the perpetrators.
“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,” Ayanlade stated.
The police also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Earlier, a media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction on behalf of the family, describing the incident as painful and shocking.
“The family of Adebayo Adelabu 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.
Despite the traumatic ordeal, the family expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to rescue the victims unharmed and urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours capable of jeopardising ongoing operations.
The abduction has reignited concerns over worsening insecurity in Oyo State, prompting strong reactions from political leaders and stakeholders.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and review the state’s security architecture.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the opposition party lamented what it described as a growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across the state.
The APC cited unresolved cases involving abducted teachers, students and research institute workers, warning that residents were increasingly living in fear.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the incident, describing it as another stark reminder of the deepening insecurity confronting Nigerians.
According to Atiku, the fact that kidnappers could strike in a busy public area without fear of interception underscored the urgent need for a more robust intelligence-driven security strategy.
He stressed that criminal gangs do not discriminate based on political affiliation or social status, noting that insecurity had become a national challenge demanding urgent and coordinated action.
Also reacting, APC governorship aspirant Ololade Bakare sympathised with Adelabu and his family, urging security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ freedom.
Bakare further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, describing community cooperation as a critical component in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
