Gunmen on Wednesday abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power,Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, deepening concerns over worsening insecurity in Oyo State.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. According to a statement by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, they were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking the children to school.
Awogboro said security and law enforcement agencies had been contacted and that rescue efforts were already under way. He added that the family appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.
Also Read: Tinubu offers sympathy over Oyo school kidnap, massacre
The latest abduction comes amid heightened anxiety over a recent wave of kidnappings in Oyo State. In mid-May, armed men carried out coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers, according to reports. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said one abducted teacher was later killed, while six suspects, including alleged informants and logistics suppliers, were arrested. President Bola Tinubu condemned the school attack and promised that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
The school abductions triggered strong reactions across Oyo and beyond. Public schools in the state were shut as teachers staged protests over the kidnapping of pupils and colleagues, while civil society groups and residents marched in Ibadan demanding urgent government action against rising insecurity. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.”
The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo also began an indefinite strike, saying the action was meant to draw attention to the urgent need to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. The union warned that the protest could spread nationwide if authorities failed to act decisively.
The fresh kidnapping in Ibadan is likely to intensify public pressure on both the Oyo State and Federal Governments, as residents increasingly demand stronger protection for schools, rural communities and commuters in the state.
Crediblenewsng.com
