The family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The confirmation was disclosed in a statement issued by the family on Wednesday.
It said Mrs John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped by armed gunmen at about 7:30am on Wednesday while she was taking the children to school.
The family said the incident was immediately reported to relevant security and law enforcement agencies, which have since launched investigations and commenced efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Mrs John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, the statement noted.
The family further disclosed that she recently retired after a career spanning the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had relocated to Ibadan with her children and was making arrangements to join her husband in the United States.
According to the statement, security agencies have swung into action and are working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.
Mr Adelabu and other members of the family expressed deep concern over the incident but said they remained confident in the ability of security operatives to secure the victims’ safe return.
The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing rescue operations.
They also urged anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to report it through the appropriate channels.
While reiterating their commitment to supporting the investigation, the family said it would continue to cooperate fully with security agencies and provide updates as developments unfold.
