Gunmen kidnapped the former minister, Adelabu’s sister and twin children in Ibadan

The sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and her twin sons were on Wednesday morning kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, who confirmed the incident in a statement, his sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, along with his twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted by gunmen around Elewura area in Challenge, Ibadan, at about 7.30am while on their way to drop their children at school in Ibadan.

The statement read, “The kidnappers also forcibly took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident.

“The incident was immediately reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies have been contacted. We are pleased to confirm that security officials have taken action and a preliminary investigation has begun in earnest. Efforts are currently underway to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for this heinous crime.

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“Chief 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 ensure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.

“The family respectfully urges the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from spreading unverified information that could jeopardize ongoing security operations. We also ask for prayers and support from the well-meaning Nigerian public during this difficult time.”

The incident occurred nearly 20 days after 47 students and teachers were abducted in Ahoro Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State.

Adebayo is vying to become governor of the state in the upcoming 2027 elections under the All Progressives Congress.

Adelabu, who resigned as Minister of Power on April 30, 2026, contested the APC gubernatorial primary in Oyo State alongside eight other candidates, with Senator Sarafadeen Alli reported in recent quarters to have won the primary and become the party’s consensus candidate.

Police authorities in the state have not issued an official statement regarding the kidnapping as of press time.