Gunmen have abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin children in Ibadan, the state capital.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan while on their way to school.
According to eyewitness accounts, the woman, identified as Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, was travelling with her 12-year-old twin boys when armed men intercepted their vehicle at about 7:30 a.m. The attackers allegedly smashed the driver’s side window before forcefully taking the victims away to an unknown destination.
Sources said the kidnappers escaped through the Molete axis of the city in a vehicle suspected to be a Toyota Camry, causing panic among residents and commuters in the area.
The twin boys, identified as Peter and Paul, were said to be on their way to school when the incident occurred.
Reacting to the development, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, described the incident as “tragic and disturbing,” adding that the family had contacted relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm while security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release,” the statement said.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that tactical teams have been deployed to track down the abductors.
Police spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the victims’ vehicle had already been recovered from the scene while investigations and rescue operations were ongoing.
“The command is fully on top of the situation. Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and the perpetrators brought to justice,” he stated.
The incident has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity and kidnapping cases in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and improve response time to criminal activities across the state.
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