The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, three days after they were abducted in Ibadan. The rescue operation took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, according to a police source. Two firearms were recovered from the gang.
Mrs. John-Paul is the younger sister of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and APC gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State. The victims were abducted on June 3 at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the children to school in Ibadan.
Police sources said sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation, leading to the successful rescue. Security operatives are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the syndicate. Some are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the abduction, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited Adelabu on Friday.
“Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children,” the governor wrote on his X handle.
“I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return.”
The family had earlier appealed for calm and prayers while security agencies conducted their investigation.
The abduction happened weeks after over 40 students and teachers were kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
