Fresh fears over rising insecurity in Oyo State as armed kidnappers seize the sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons during a school run in Ibadan.
By Aderonke Unigbe / June 4, 2026
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria —Fresh concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings across Nigeria have emerged following the abduction of Mrs. Olaide John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, has sent shockwaves through political circles and heightened concerns about the vulnerability of residents to criminal attacks despite ongoing security operations across the country.
Family members confirmed the kidnapping and disclosed that security agencies have already commenced coordinated efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending those responsible.
ABDUCTION DURING MORNING SCHOOL RUN
According to information released by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victims were abducted at approximately 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was reportedly taking her twin sons to school.
The brazen nature of the incident has raised questions about the growing boldness of kidnappers, who increasingly target victims in broad daylight and within urban centres previously considered relatively secure.
Although details surrounding the exact location and circumstances of the abduction remain limited, security agencies are said to be pursuing multiple investigative leads.
The attack underscores a troubling trend in which criminal gangs are expanding their operations beyond rural communities and highways into major cities.
WHO IS OLAIDE JOHN-PAUL?
Mrs. Olaide John-Paul is the youngest of five children born to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Family sources revealed that she voluntarily retired from her position at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
She was reportedly preparing to reunite with her husband, who had earlier relocated to the United States, before the unfortunate incident disrupted those plans.
The kidnapping has drawn widespread sympathy from family members, friends, political associates, and concerned citizens.
FAMILY CONFIRMS INCIDENT, APPEALS FOR CALM
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Adelabu’s media office expressed deep concern over the abduction while assuring the public that security agencies had already mobilized to secure the release of the victims.
“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement said.
The family described the incident as traumatic and distressing but expressed confidence in the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
They further appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified reports that could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident, but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement added.
SECURITY AGENCIES INTENSIFY INVESTIGATION
Authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding the identity of the kidnappers or any possible ransom demands.
However, security sources indicate that investigations are ongoing, with intelligence gathering and tracking operations reportedly underway.
The family has urged anyone possessing useful information that could assist security operatives to immediately contact law enforcement authorities through appropriate channels.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, witness accounts, and other intelligence resources as part of efforts to locate the victims and dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction.
KIDNAPPING CRISIS CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE NIGERIA
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the persistence of kidnapping-for-ransom across several parts of Nigeria.
Despite repeated government assurances and security interventions, kidnappers continue to target commuters, students, farmers, business owners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures.
Security analysts warn that the increasing frequency of abductions reflects the adaptability of criminal networks that continue to exploit security gaps for financial gain.
Many observers have called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance systems, enhanced community policing, and more effective prosecution of kidnapping syndicates.
OYO STATE UNDER SECURITY SPOTLIGHT
The kidnapping comes amid renewed efforts by federal and state authorities to strengthen security architecture across Oyo State and other parts of the South-West.
Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recruitment of additional forest guards as part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities in forest corridors often used by kidnappers and armed gangs.
Security experts believe that protecting vulnerable routes, strengthening rural security, and improving intelligence sharing among agencies remain critical to tackling the kidnapping menace.
PUBLIC CONCERN GROWS OVER SAFETY OF FAMILIES
For many Nigerians, the incident reinforces fears that no demographic group is immune from the country’s growing insecurity challenge.
The abduction of a close relative of a former federal minister has once again highlighted the broader reality that ordinary citizens across the country face daily threats from criminal elements.
Analysts argue that beyond rescue operations, authorities must focus on dismantling the financial and logistical structures that sustain kidnapping syndicates.
The abduction of Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her twin sons has added another troubling chapter to Nigeria’s ongoing battle against kidnapping and violent crime.
As security agencies intensify rescue efforts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, intelligence-driven policing, and sustained action against criminal networks.
For the Adelabu family and countless other victims of kidnapping across Nigeria, the immediate priority remains the safe return of loved ones and the assurance that those responsible will be brought to justice.
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