Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan.

The abduction happened in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 7:30 a.m., while John-Paul was driving her children to school in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan.

Femi Awogboro, media aide to Adelabu, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Adelabu is currently an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for Oyo State in the 2027 election.

“The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.”

John-Paul, aged 43, was abducted by armed gunmen, and her twin sons were forcefully taken with her.

“Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan.”

She is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

Until her voluntary retirement last year, she served at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian.

After retiring, she relocated to Ibadan with her children, preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who already moved to the United States.

“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted.”

Security operatives have begun preliminary investigations, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”

Adelabu and the family are deeply distressed but remain hopeful that security agencies will secure their safe release.

Family Appeal And Public Reaction

The family has appealed to the public to stay calm and avoid speculation that could harm ongoing security operations.

“The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardise ongoing security operations.”

They are also asking for prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians.

“We also solicit prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period.”

The family urges anyone with useful information to report it through appropriate channels.

“We further urge anyone with useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigation to promptly report such information through the appropriate channels.”

A viral video shows the scene at Elewura in Challenge, Ibadan, where residents gathered and expressed concern over rising insecurity in Oyo State.

The incident has sparked fresh anxiety among Ibadan residents, coming amid growing worries over kidnapping and violent attacks in the state.