Shola Akinyele
Tension gripped residents of Ibadan on Wednesday morning following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemesi, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped by armed gunmen around 7:30 a.m. in the Elewura/Challenge area of Ibadan while she was driving the children to school.
The family confirmed the incident in an official statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro. According to the statement, Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children born to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the abductors intercepted the victims’ vehicle before whisking them away to an unknown destination. Some residents who spoke to Fresh FM Nigeria claimed the suspects were operating in a silver Toyota Corolla without a visible registration plate number.
Confirming the development, the family disclosed that security agencies had been immediately notified and had already launched investigations and rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the victims.
The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support ongoing efforts with prayers and credible information while cautioning against the spread of unverified reports that could hinder rescue operations.
The kidnapping has generated widespread concern across Ibadan and Oyo State, raising fresh questions about security challenges in the region. Residents have expressed fears over the increasing cases of abduction and violent crimes targeting individuals and families.
Adelabu, a prominent figure in the ruling APC and one of the leading contenders for the Oyo State governorship election in 2027, has yet to make a personal public statement on the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the abduction.
Security operatives are continuing efforts to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
More details are expected as investigations progress.
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