IBADAN, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force said it had rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following an operation in Oyo State that resulted in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
An official statement by the Nigerian police signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the rescue took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, several days after the three were abducted while travelling to a school in Ibadan.
Mrs John-Paul, identified as the younger sister of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a former Minister of Power, was abducted alongside her children at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while taking the boys to school.
According to police officials, two suspected members of the kidnapping gang were killed during the confrontation, and two firearms were recovered.
Security personnel were continuing efforts to locate other members of the group who escaped from the scene, some of whom were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Police sources attributed the rescue to intelligence gathering and operational pressure applied during efforts to locate the victims.
Family Appeals During Abduction
The family had earlier confirmed the kidnapping in a statement issued through Mr Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement said.
Mrs John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
According to information released by the family, she left her position at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 and subsequently relocated to Ibadan with her children.
Governor Visits Adelabu
Amid efforts to secure the release of the abductees, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited Adelabu on Friday and said security agencies were working to secure their return.
“Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children,” Mr Makinde wrote on X.
“I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is putting in place to further strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State.”
Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children. I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is… pic.twitter.com/MntZavDQeu
— Seyi Makinde (@seyimakinde) June 6, 2026
The kidnapping occurred weeks after the abduction of more than 40 students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that prompted public concern and protests.
