Fear and anxiety gripped residents of Ibadan on Wednesday following the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs Busayo John-Paul, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, by unidentified gunmen along the busy Ring Road area of the Oyo State capital.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 am while Mrs John-Paul was taking her 12-year-old sons to school, throwing the area into confusion and further heightening concerns over insecurity and rising cases of abduction across the country.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers intercepted the vehicle conveying the family during the early morning rush hour before whisking them away to an unknown destination. The daring operation reportedly caused panic among commuters and residents around Ring Road, one of the busiest commercial routes in Ibadan.
Mrs John-Paul, aged 43, is said to be closely connected to the influential Adelabu family, a household name in Oyo State politics and business circles. News of the abduction quickly spread across the city, triggering widespread concern among residents and political associates.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that security operatives had already swung into action immediately after receiving distress reports about the attack. He stated that the Commissioner of Police directed tactical teams and officers from the Challenge Division to move swiftly to the scene and commence rescue operations as well as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.
Ayanlade explained that the victims’ vehicle was recovered at the scene, an indication that the abductors abandoned the car before escaping with the victims. According to him, the police were mobilising every available resource to ensure the safe rescue of the woman and her children while also tracking down those responsible for the crime.
“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations,” the police spokesman said.
“The command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act.” The command also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible and timely information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
Shortly before the police confirmation, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, had issued a statement confirming the development and expressing deep concern over the safety of the victims. The incident has again drawn attention to growing insecurity in parts of the country, especially the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren, commuters, traditional rulers, and prominent individuals.
Residents of Ibadan expressed shock that such an incident could occur in broad daylight on a major road within the metropolis. Some traders and transport operators around Ring Road said the attack has intensified fears among residents who now worry about their safety even during daytime activities.
Many residents also called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering across strategic locations in the state to curb criminal activities. The latest abduction comes amid rising concerns over school-related kidnappings in different parts of Nigeria.
In recent weeks, there have been renewed calls for improved protection of students and educational institutions following several attacks on schools and communities. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that kidnappers are becoming increasingly daring, often operating along highways and urban centres where they exploit traffic congestion and weak security presence to carry out attacks.
Political associates and supporters of Adelabu have also expressed solidarity with the family, praying for the safe return of the victims. As investigations continue, tension remains high among residents and family members awaiting positive news from security agencies regarding the whereabouts of Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons.
The police have maintained that efforts are ongoing and assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in the bid to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
