The family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed profound appreciation to security agencies following the successful rescue of his sister, Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons from their abductors.
The family also acknowledged the support, prayers and solidarity shown by Nigerians throughout the period of uncertainty surrounding the abduction.
Speaking to journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan shortly after the victims regained their freedom, Adelabu’s mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, said she was overwhelmed with gratitude that her daughter and grandchildren were rescued alive and reunited with the family.
She described the days following the abduction as emotionally draining, noting that the family was deeply troubled after receiving news of the incident.
According to her, the uncertainty that often surrounds kidnapping cases made the situation particularly distressing.
While celebrating the safe return of her loved ones, Mrs. Adelabu also remembered other families whose relatives remain in captivity, especially victims of recent abductions in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
She said her thoughts and prayers remain with them, expressing hope that they would also be reunited with their families soon.
Mrs. Adelabu disclosed that only a day before her daughter’s abduction, she had been praying for the safe release of victims of the Oriire kidnapping incident, never imagining that her own daughter and grandchildren would face a similar experience shortly afterward.
She further commended security personnel, government officials and concerned Nigerians who contributed in various ways to the rescue efforts, while praying for lasting peace and improved security across the country.
Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons were abducted on the morning of June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the children to school.
The incident heightened concerns over rising cases of kidnapping in the state, coming only weeks after the abduction of several schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an event that triggered widespread public outrage and calls for stronger security measures.
Amid growing concern over the family’s ordeal, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited Adebayo Adelabu on Friday and assured him that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims.
The breakthrough came on Saturday night when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force successfully rescued Mrs. John-Paul and her children.
A source within the Force revealed that the rescue operation involved an exchange of gunfire with members of the kidnapping gang. During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while security operatives recovered two firearms from the suspects.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with their family, bringing an end to days of anxiety and apprehension.
