Fmr Minister Adelabu Confirms Return Of Abducted Family Members, Lauds Security Agencies

By Ayodele Oni

The family of former Minister of Power and a Gubernatorial aspirant of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu has reacted to the release of the abducted members.

It expressed gratitude to God and Nigerians following the successful rescue of Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were kidnapped last week by gunmen in Ibadan.

The Nigeria Police Force had announced the rescue og Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from their abductors following a late-night operation on Saturday.

The victims were freed alive during the rescue mission carried out at about 7:30 p.m., few days after they were kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police sources disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during a fierce gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang.

Mrs. John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu, was reportedly abducted alongside her twin sons at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while taking the children to school.

According to security sources, sustained intelligence gathering, electronic tracking, and tactical pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them into a confrontation with police operatives, culminating in the successful rescue of the victims.

The rescued mother and her children were said to be in stable condition following the operation.

The family, in a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro confirmed that the victims were freed unarmed and are in good condition.

The statement described the outcome as proof of what collective action, citizen support, and committed security institutions can achieve.

It thanked President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for their concern and support during the ordeal.

It also commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Commissioner of Police for their professionalism and tireless work on the case.

Special appreciation was also extended to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS headquarters in Abuja, and the Oyo State Directorate for intelligence-led efforts that contributed to the rescue.

“Gratitude was also given to the APC national leadership, Oyo State chapter, party leaders nationwide, government officials, political associates, religious and traditional rulers, community leaders, friends, and well-meaning Nigerians whose prayers, visits, calls, and messages strengthened the family.”

While celebrating the rescue, the family said their thoughts remain with other kidnap victims still in captivity, praying for their safe return.

It noted that insecurity cuts across politics, ethnicity, and religion and called for continued unity and support for security agencies to make Nigeria safer.