The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a full-scale manhunt following the abduction of Mrs. Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped by armed men around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school along the Ring Road axis of Ibadan.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police had immediately deployed tactical units and investigative teams to the scene. The victims’ vehicle has since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to rescue them and apprehend those responsible.
A statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, described the incident as deeply distressing and appealed for calm, expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.
Reacting to the development, the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and review the state’s security framework amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the abduction, describing it as further evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. He stressed that kidnapping has become a national crisis affecting citizens regardless of political affiliation or social status and called for a comprehensive intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle criminal networks.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, with residents and political leaders urging authorities to take urgent action to protect lives and property.
