Gunmen in an unplated vehicle abducted Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her two sons in Ibadan, rattling a prominent political family and alarming Oyo State.
Gunmen kidnapped the younger sister of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons, in a brazen early-morning attack on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her sons, Peter and Paul, sent shockwaves through the Oyo State capital and beyond.
It happened around 7:30 a.m. in the Elewura area of the city. The family was targeted as they prepared to start their day, a routine morning turned violent in minutes.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to Fresh FM radio said the attackers arrived in a silver Toyota Corolla with no license plates. The suspects forcibly seized the family from their red Hyundai sedan before speeding away, leaving residents stunned.
“They came out of nowhere. The car had no plates. It was fast—too fast. Before anyone could react, they were gone.” — Eyewitness account, as relayed to Fresh FM
The Adelabu family confirmed the incident shortly after. In a measured statement, they said they had notified relevant security agencies, who are now actively investigating.
They urged the public to stay calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
Crucially, the family expressed confidence that Mrs. John-Paul and her sons would be rescued safely. They appealed for prayers and asked anyone with information to come forward.
“We are cooperating fully with security agencies and remain confident of a safe and swift return of our loved ones. We ask for prayers and public calm.” — Adelabu Family Statement
As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand had been made public. The Oyo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The attack is particularly alarming given the victim’s connection to Adebayo Adelabu, a well-known political figure who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power.
Kidnappings targeting relatives of public officials have become an unsettling pattern across Nigeria’s Southwest in recent years.
Security analysts note that broad daylight abductions in residential areas signal a growing boldness among criminal networks. The unplated vehicle suggests careful premeditation.
Security agencies are investigating. The family is cooperating and urging the public to share any useful tips.
