The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her two children.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, regained freedom in a late-night operation on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The victims were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3 while on their way to drop the children at school in Ibadan. Armed gunmen intercepted them in the Challenge area.
During the rescue, two suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun duel with operatives. Two firearms were recovered from the gang.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, quickly reacted to the development. In a post on his verified X account Saturday night, he commended the police effort.
“Well done! Well done! The others are coming home soon,” Keyamo stated.
His words signal optimism that security forces will secure the release of other kidnap victims across the country without further delay. The statement comes amid heightened public concern over insecurity.
The family had earlier confirmed the abduction through Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro. They appealed for calm as security agencies swung into action.
Mrs. John-Paul, aged 43, and her sons are now receiving medical attention. Police sources say sustained intelligence tracking led to the confrontation.
Operations continue in nearby areas to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate, some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
This swift rescue stands in contrast to other ongoing cases. Public frustration has grown over incidents like the May 15 abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the region, where one teacher was reportedly beheaded and hefty ransoms demanded.
Critics on social media and in political circles have highlighted perceived inconsistencies in security responses, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.
Keyamo’s assurance aims to reassure Nigerians that efforts remain underway for all victims. However, many continue to question the government’s broader strategy against banditry and kidnapping.
The incident has once again thrust the persistent challenge of insecurity into national discourse. Ordinary citizens in Oyo State and beyond live with daily fears of similar attacks.
While celebrations mark the safe return of Mrs. John-Paul and her children, the reality for countless other families remains grim. No one appears truly safe under current conditions.
Authorities must translate this operational success into systemic improvements. Keyamo’s promise of more releases will be tested by results in the coming days and weeks.
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