Security Breakthrough in Oyo as Police Rescue Ex-Minister Adelabu’s Sister, Children

The younger sister of former Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu and her two children have regained their freedom after a coordinated police operation led to a gun battle with their abductors in Oyo State.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her twin sons, were rescued following sustained intelligence gathering and tactical operations by security agencies, bringing relief to the family and residents who had followed the case with growing concern since their abduction earlier in the week.

Police sources disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a confrontation with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang.

According to security sources, the breakthrough came after investigators intensified surveillance and tracking operations aimed at locating the abductors and dismantling the kidnapping network responsible for the attack.

The victims were kidnapped on June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was reportedly taking her children to school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Their abduction sparked widespread concern due to the family’s prominence and renewed fears over rising incidents of kidnapping and violent crime in parts of the country.

Sources familiar with the rescue operation said sustained pressure from security agencies forced the kidnappers into a desperate confrontation, ultimately leading to the successful recovery of the victims.

Although the operation resulted in the deaths of two suspects, security agencies have continued combing nearby forests and communities in search of other members of the gang believed to have escaped.

Investigators believe some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.

The rescue marks a dramatic turn in a case that had generated national attention.

In a statement issued shortly after the abduction, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that Mrs. John-Paul and her children were seized while travelling to school, describing the incident as deeply traumatic for the family.

“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 had read.

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, who reportedly retired from First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her family.

Before news of the rescue emerged, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had personally visited Chief Adelabu to express solidarity with the family and assure them that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Sharing details of the visit on his official social media platform, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

“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 putting in place to further strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State,” Makinde stated.

The successful rescue comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in Oyo State and across the country.

Only weeks ago, the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area triggered public outrage and protests, intensifying calls for stronger security measures and more decisive action against criminal networks.

Security officials have vowed to sustain the manhunt for the remaining suspects and ensure that everyone connected to the kidnapping syndicate is brought to justice.