Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kidnap Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.

The victims, identified as Mrs Busayo John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday along Ring Road while she was taking them to school.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adewale Osifeso, said tactical teams had been deployed to the scene and surrounding areas as part of efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.

“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations,” Osifeso said.

He added that the command had mobilised “all necessary resources” to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

A family spokesperson, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction, describing it as distressing but expressing confidence in the capacity of security agencies to secure their release.

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu… wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister… alongside her twin sons,” the statement said.

The family also urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt rescue efforts.

Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intensify collaboration with security agencies and strengthen the state’s security architecture.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party said the latest abduction reflects growing insecurity in the state and warned that residents are increasingly living in fear.

“As it stands, nobody is safe anywhere in the state, and it has never been this bad,” the statement read.

The opposition party also referenced previous kidnapping incidents in the state, including the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area and workers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted, describing the incident as evidence of the worsening security situation in the country.

According to him, kidnappers are becoming increasingly emboldened, striking without fear or distinction.

“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country,” Atiku said.

He called for a stronger intelligence-driven national security strategy to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore public confidence.

Similarly, APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, expressed sympathy with the Adelabu family and urged swift action to secure the victims’ release, stressing that “the urgency of this matter cannot be overstated.”

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to rescue the abducted victims unharmed.