In a shocking escalation of insecurity in Oyo State, gunmen abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the 43-year-old younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC 2027 governorship aspirant Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan South West LGA, as Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants fired sporadically to intimidate residents before forcing her out of her Kia Sonata and whisking her and the twins away in another vehicle. A video circulating online showed a red Toyota Camry abandoned on the street with its doors wide open, suggesting the abduction was swift and sudden.
Confirming the incident, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, described it as “unfortunate” and deeply distressing for the family. Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, had recently retired from service at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.
She had relocated to Ibadan with her children to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the U.S.
Authorities were immediately notified, and preliminary investigations have begun to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The family appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that could hinder ongoing operations. The Oyo State Police Command has stated that it is yet to independently verify the incident.
The abduction adds to a growing list of kidnappings in Oyo State. In May 2026, over 40 teachers and students were kidnapped during an attack in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire LGA. In December 2025, APC chieftain Wale Oriade was also abducted in Ibadan by armed assailants.
This latest attack underscores mounting concerns over insecurity in the state, highlighting the urgent need for intensified security measures to protect residents and restore public confidence.
