Gunmen kidnap former minister's sister and her twin boys in Ibadan

Armed men kidnapped Busayo John-Paul, a 43-year-old sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday morning.

The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. near the Challenge area. Mrs John-Paul was driving her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in a white Hyundai Sonata.

An eyewitness told Fresh FM during a live program that the attackers stopped the victims’ car and took them away. He said the gunmen came in a silver Toyota Camry with two men inside. One of the attackers, armed with a weapon, broke the driver’s side window before pulling the victims out.

The witness shared, “There was a coaster bus passing at that time. The gunmen passed it, then attacked the victims’ car. The woman locked the door, but they broke the glass, took them, and drove towards Molete express.”

He mentioned that police and other security agencies arrived at the scene after the incident.

The Adelabu family confirmed the kidnapping through a statement from the former minister’s media aide, Femi Awogboro. They described the situation as distressing and requested calm and support from the public.

“The entire family is deeply distressed by this tragic development but remains hopeful and confident in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs John-Paul and her children.

“Once the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were contacted,” part of the statement said. “Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and catch those responsible for this crime.”

Mr Awogboro added that the kidnapped family members were getting ready to join Mrs John-Paul’s husband, who moved to the United States earlier.

Mr Adelabu had resigned as Minister of Power in April. He did this to run in the APC governorship primary election in May but did not win.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the abduction. They said they are working to rescue the victims and find the kidnappers.

“We’ve started investigations into the matter, and efforts to rescue the victims are currently ongoing,” said the police spokesperson in Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, during a phone call with PREMIUM TIMES.