An aide to the immediate past Minister of Power and 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that gunmen who abducted the politician’s younger sister and her twin sons in Ibadan have yet to establish contact with the family.
The aide, Femi Awogboro, said on Thursday that despite growing anxiety among relatives and associates, the abductors had not made any demands or communication since carrying out the attack on Wednesday morning.
Awogboro, while providing an update on the disturbing incident, stated that security agencies were already working intensively to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
According to him, the family remains deeply worried over the silence from the kidnappers as efforts continue behind the scenes to locate the victims.
“The family has not heard anything from the abductors yet. Security agencies are working seriously on the matter to ensure that the victims are rescued safely,” he reportedly said.
The development has heightened tension among residents and political associates in Oyo State, particularly following confirmation that the victims include children.
The family of Adelabu had on Wednesday confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
According to the family, the 43-year-old woman was abducted at about 7:30 a.m. while driving to drop the children at school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victims were reportedly intercepted by heavily armed gunmen who forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination.
Sources familiar with the incident said the attack caused panic in the area as residents and passersby fled for safety during the operation carried out by the abductors.
Although details surrounding the exact location of the abduction remain unclear, security operatives are believed to have launched investigations and tracking operations immediately after the incident was reported.
The kidnapping has generated widespread concern across Oyo State, with many residents expressing fears over the worsening security situation and increasing cases of abduction in different parts of the country.
Political associates and supporters of Adelabu have also expressed solidarity with the family while calling on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
The former minister, who remains a prominent figure within the APC in Oyo State and is widely speculated to be preparing for the 2027 governorship race, has yet to make an extensive public statement on the matter.
However, close associates say the family is devastated by the incident and remains hopeful that the victims will return safely.
Observers say the kidnapping has once again drawn attention to rising concerns over insecurity and the vulnerability of citizens, including women and children, to criminal attacks.
The incident comes amid growing public outrage over increasing abductions for ransom across several parts of Nigeria, with schools, highways and residential areas becoming frequent targets of armed gangs.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the activities of kidnappers and criminal gangs continue to pose serious threats to public safety despite ongoing security operations by law enforcement agencies.
Residents of Ibadan and surrounding communities have also raised concerns about the psychological impact of such attacks, especially those involving children.
Many Nigerians took to social media to condemn the abduction and pray for the safe return of the victims, while others called for urgent reforms and stronger security measures to curb kidnapping and violent crimes.
The attack has also renewed conversations about the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved community policing and stronger coordination among security agencies in combating criminal networks.
Some residents described the kidnapping of a mother and her young children on their way to school as particularly disturbing, warning that the growing insecurity could further erode public confidence in safety measures.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track the abductors and secure the release of Mrs. John-Paul and her sons without harm.
Meanwhile, family members, friends and political associates remain in anxious anticipation, hoping for positive developments as security agencies continue rescue operations.
The abduction adds to the growing list of high-profile kidnapping incidents that have continued to fuel public concern over Nigeria’s security challenges and the urgent need for more effective responses from law enforcement authorities.
