The family of the immediate past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Wednesday confirmed the abduction of his younger sister and her twin sons in Ibadan, urging members of the public to remain calm as security agencies intensify rescue efforts.
The family confirmed that the victims are Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
According to a statement by the family’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in the early hours of the day while Mrs. John-Paul was on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan.
Armed men, the statement said, intercepted the vehicle and forcefully abducted the victims before whisking them away to an unknown destination.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, was said to have recently retired from active service, having previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian.
She had reportedly relocated to Ibadan after her retirement, while making plans to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who is based in the United States.
The family said all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified, adding that security operatives have already commenced investigations and are working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family expressed deep distress over the incident but expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe return of the abductees.
The statement also implored the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information that could interfere with ongoing security operations, while urging Nigerians to offer prayers and support during the difficult period.
“We respectfully appeal to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations,” the statement read.