THE family of former minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for calm, following the kidnap of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The 43-year-ld John-Paul was abducted by armed gunmen about 7:30a.m. at the Bolumole area of Ring Road in Ibadan on her way to drop off her children at school in Ibadan, the state capital, who forcefully took them away.
She, the youngest of the five children of the Adegoke Adelabus, had until her voluntary retirement last year, served at both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian.
She relocated to Ibadan upon retirement, with her children, while making arrangements to join her husband, who had earlier relocated to the United States (US).
Media aide to the former minister, Femi Awogboro, had earlier, in a statement in Ibadan, confirming the incident to journalists, said: “Armed gunmen intercepted Mrs. John-Paul in Ibadan and forcefully took her away with the twins, who were with her at the time.”
Awogboro said the incident has been reported to all relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the incident, Adelabu said the family was deeply distressed by the development, but remain hopeful for the safe release of the victims, urging Nigerians to keep the family in prayers during this difficult period.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information, stressing the need for caution in sharing details on social media.
The state Police Command’s spokesman, Olayinka Alayande (DSP), said investigation into the abduction had commenced, assuring the public that all necessary resources had been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act.
“Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and to commence intensive investigations.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Command urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative with the Police by providing any useful information that may assist ongoing investigations.”
He added: “Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The former minister and the entire family deeply distressed by this tragic development, but remained hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of John-Paul and her children.
The family appealled to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardise ongoing security operations, while soliciting prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians during the difficult period.
“We further urge anyone with useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigation to promptly report such information through the appropriate channels.
“The family will continue to cooperate fully with security authorities and will provide further updates as events unfold.”
Published:
Related articles
Recent articles
