The crime scene in Ibadan
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her children, Peter and Paul, were reportedly seized by armed men in the early hours of Wednesday while she was taking the boys to school.
The incident was later confirmed in a statement issued to journalists by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, on behalf of the family.
According to the statement, the gunmen intercepted the 43-year-old woman at about 7:30 a.m. and forcefully whisked her and her twin sons away to an unknown destination.
John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Before voluntarily retiring from service last year, she worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later with First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family disclosed that security and law enforcement agencies were immediately alerted after the abduction.
According to the statement, security operatives have already launched investigations and are making efforts to secure the safe release of the victims while tracking down those behind the crime.
The family said Chief Adelabu and other relatives were deeply troubled by the development but expressed confidence that the security agencies would rescue the victims unharmed.
It appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing security operations.
The family also called on Nigerians to support them with prayers during the difficult period.
In addition, it urged anyone with useful information that could aid investigators to pass such information through the appropriate security channels.
The statement added that the family would continue to cooperate fully with security agencies and provide updates as events unfold.
