IBADAN, NIGERIA — Gunmen have abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of the former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Elewura area of Challenge, within the Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Ambush
According to eyewitness accounts and a formal statement from the family, Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was driving her twin sons to school in a wine-colored Hyundai Sonata when her vehicle was intercepted by armed men. The assailants, who reportedly arrived in a silver Toyota Camry, smashed the driver’s side window of her car before forcefully seizing her and the children. They then fled the scene, driving towards the Molete expressway.
Family Appellants for Calm
Confirming the tragic development, Chief Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, issued a statement expressing the family’s deep distress while urging the public to remain cooperative with law enforcement.
“The entire family is deeply distressed by this tragic development but remains hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children,” the statement read.
“The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations. We also solicit prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period.”
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children born to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She recently retired from a distinguished career at both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian, relocating to Ibadan while preparing to join her husband in the United States.
Police Launch Forensic Investigation
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale tactical operation to track the abductors. Deputy Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams and directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the Challenge Division to oversee the operation.
Security forces have successfully recovered the victim’s abandoned vehicle from the scene and have commenced a thorough forensic probe to identify the perpetrators.
This high-profile abduction follows growing concerns over regional security in Oyo State, coming just weeks after a coordinated attack in Oriire Local Government Area where over 40 teachers and students were taken. Law enforcement officials have assured residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
ABT NEWS will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as verified information becomes available from security operatives. Please send all advertising enquiries to advertise@abtnews.net or +447918790290
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