In the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, gunmen abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the 43-year-old younger sister of former Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan while the family was on a school run. Attackers struck in broad daylight near Ring Road.
Oyo State Police Command swiftly launched a manhunt. Security agencies assured the public of ongoing efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Two days later, on Friday, June 5, Governor Seyi Makinde paid a solidarity visit to Adelabu’s residence in Ibadan. The cross-party gesture came amid heightened security concerns in the state.
During the meeting, Makinde offered direct assurances. “We’ll rescue your sister, nephews,” he told the APC governorship aspirant. He added words of empathy: “Brother, sorry. This is the trouble we all find ourselves.”
Adelabu, a prominent figure in Oyo politics and former Power Minister, received the governor alongside family members. The visit underscored shared stakes in tackling kidnapping, despite their longstanding political rivalry.
This abduction has fueled fresh outrage over insecurity. It follows the May 15 mass kidnapping of dozens of school pupils and teachers in Oriire area, where attackers killed at least one teacher and demanded hefty ransoms.
Critics on social media highlighted perceived inconsistencies. Many noted Makinde’s prompt visit to Adelabu’s home contrasted with slower engagement on the school victims’ families, sparking accusations of selective attention.
Oyo APC condemned the rising wave of kidnappings. The party urged Makinde’s administration to collaborate more effectively with security agencies to stem the tide.
The Adelabu family described the ordeal as deeply distressing. They called for public calm while urging intensified rescue operations. No ransom demands have been publicly confirmed as investigations continue.
This case exposes vulnerabilities even for politically connected families in Oyo. Ordinary citizens face similar threats daily, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
Makinde’s administration faces mounting pressure. The governor’s cross-aisle visit may signal unity, yet it also draws scrutiny over timing and priorities in a politically charged environment.
As rescue efforts enter critical days, families and residents await concrete results. The incident serves as a stark reminder of persistent challenges, where influence offers limited protection against brazen criminals.
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