Two suspected kidnappers killed as Police rescue Adelabu’s sister, twin sons

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a coordinated operation conducted around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, several days after they were abducted.

According to security sources, the rescue mission led to a gun battle between police operatives and the kidnappers, during which two suspected members of the gang were killed. Authorities also recovered two firearms from the suspects.

Mrs. John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her children were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was taking the boys to school in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police sources said intelligence gathering and sustained pressure mounted on the criminal gang forced them into a confrontation with security operatives, ultimately resulting in the safe recovery of the victims.

Security personnel have continued search operations in surrounding areas to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom reportedly escaped during the exchange of gunfire with possible injuries.

Confirming the abduction earlier, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, disclosed that the incident occurred while Mrs. John-Paul was driving her children to school, throwing the family into anxiety.

“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 family’s statement read in part.

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest among the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Reports indicate that she voluntarily retired from First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.

Before the rescue, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid a condolence visit to Chief Adelabu and assured him that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release.

“Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children,” Makinde wrote on his X account.

“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.”

The abduction occurred amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, coming only weeks after more than 40 students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area, triggering widespread condemnation and protests.