Investigation Underway Following Kidnapping of Prominent Family Members in Oyo State
The Oyo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the kidnapping of Mrs. Busayo Johnpaul, the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul.
On Wednesday morning at approximately 7:30 AM, Busayo, 43, and her 12-year-old son were seized by armed assailants while they were dropping their children off at school on Ring Road in Ibadan.
Olinka Ayanlade, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, stating that tactical teams have been deployed to expedite the victim’s release and apprehend the kidnappers. “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police promptly directed divisional officers from the Challenge Division, along with specialized units, to investigate the scene where the victim’s vehicle was located,” Ayanlade noted.
He assured the public that all necessary resources are being focused on ensuring the safe return of the victims and the capture of those responsible for this heinous act. The police also urged community members to share any information that may aid in the unfolding investigation.
Femi Awogboro, a media aide to Adelabu, confirmed the abduction earlier in a statement, expressing the family’s deep concern. “The family of Mr. Adebayo Adelabu would like to formally confirm that his sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John Paul, along with her twin sons, Mr. Peter and Mr. Paul, have been abducted,” the statement read.
Awogboro expressed sadness over the situation but emphasized confidence in the security forces’ capabilities to facilitate a swift resolution. He indicated that the Adelabu family remains hopeful for the safe recovery of Mrs. Johnpaul and her children.
In light of this incident, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called upon Governor Seyi Makinde to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to tackle the escalating insecurity issues plaguing the region. In a statement released by Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, the party urged a revision of the state’s security framework to ensure safer environments for residents.
Highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety, the APC pointed out that this latest abduction occurs amid unresolved cases involving a teacher and a student, along with two staff members from the Cocoa Institute of Nigeria, also located in Oluyole Local Government Area. “No citizen should have to live in constant fear. The current climate of insecurity in Oyo State is alarming,” the party stated.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the situation, characterizing the abduction as further evidence of the deteriorating security landscape in Nigeria. His statement, delivered by Senior Special Assistant on Publicity, Plank Shaibu, noted that the incident underscores the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of the kidnapping crisis affecting citizens across various demographics.
Atiku called for a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle kidnapping networks and improve security for vulnerable communities. “We need a thorough approach that can effectively eliminate threats and restore public trust in the safety of our communities,” he remarked.
Urging immediate action, Oyo State APC governorship candidate Olorade Bakare expressed condolences to the Adelabu family and emphasized the critical need for prompt intervention to ensure the victims’ safe return. He encouraged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, stating that a collective vigilance is essential for enhancing regional security.
