The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive during a rescue operation conducted at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
A senior police source said two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang.
Mrs. John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her children were abducted at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was taking the boys to school in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to police sources, sustained intelligence gathering, tracking operations, and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with security operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
The source added that security personnel are continuing search operations in surrounding areas to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate. Some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The abduction was earlier confirmed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, who said the victims were seized while Mrs. John-Paul was on her way to drop her children at school.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family said in a statement issued after the abduction.
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, who reportedly retired voluntarily from First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
Makinde assures family of rescue efforts
In the wake of the incident, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited Chief Adebayo Adelabu on Friday and assured him that security agencies had intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children,” Makinde wrote on his X account while sharing a video of the visit.
“I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is putting in place to further strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State.”
The rescue comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State. Just weeks earlier, more than 40 students and teachers were reportedly abducted in Orire Local Government Area, triggering public outrage and protests in parts of the country.
