By, Omowumi Hannah

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The Chief Adebayo Adelabu Dynasty stated that the tragic event occurred in Ibadan in the early hours of Wednesday.

Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school.

According to report, the former Minister of Power and APC gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is her elder brother.

In a statement signed by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adelabu, the family said the incident was reported immediately and “all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted.”

“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement said.

Recall, Mrs. John-Paul, youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, retired voluntarily in 2025 after serving at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had relocated to Ibadan with her twins while preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, in the United States.

Chief Adelabu and the family said they are “deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.”

The family appealed to the public to “remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations.” It also solicited “prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult period.”

“Anyone with useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigation should promptly report such information through the appropriate quarters,” Awogboro stated.

In his reaction, the Police Public Relations officer, Oyo State Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Command has launched investigation into the abduction of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adegoke and her twin sons earlier on Wednesday.

He added that the Commissioner of Police Officer, Challenge Division, along other tactical teams to proceed for recovery and intensive investigations; calling the public to remain calm as the Command works on the victims timely recovery.

However, the Adelabu Adegoke family said it would continue to co-operate fully with security authorities and provide further updates as events unfold.