Adelabu Family Thanks Security Agencies After Rescue of Ex-Minister’s Sister and Twin Sons

The family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed profound gratitude to security agencies, government officials, and members of the public following the successful rescue of his sister, Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons from kidnappers.

Speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the former minister’s mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, described the rescue as a miracle and thanked God for preserving the lives of her daughter and grandsons throughout the ordeal.

She said the family was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude after learning that the victims had been rescued safely by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday night.

According to Mrs. Adelabu, the news of the abduction initially left the family devastated, as the uncertainty surrounding kidnapping cases often creates fear and anxiety for relatives of victims.

She disclosed that just a day before her daughter's abduction, she had been praying for the safe release of pupils, teachers, and other victims kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. She said she never imagined that her own family would face a similar tragedy less than 24 hours later.

Despite the emotional trauma, she expressed appreciation to security personnel, government authorities, and concerned Nigerians whose support and prayers contributed to the successful rescue operation.

Mrs. Adelabu also extended her sympathy to families whose loved ones remain in captivity, particularly victims of the Oriire school abductions, and prayed for their safe return.

She called for continued efforts to strengthen security across the country and expressed hope that lasting peace would eventually prevail in affected communities.

Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were abducted at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was reportedly taking the children to school. The incident sparked widespread concern and added to growing fears over kidnapping activities in parts of the country.

Their abduction occurred only weeks after the kidnapping of several schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a development that triggered public outrage and protests by civil society groups and education stakeholders.

Following the incident, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited Adebayo Adelabu and assured the family that security agencies had intensified efforts to secure the release of the victims.

According to security sources, the rescue operation was successfully executed after coordinated intelligence and tactical operations by police personnel.

A source within the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with security operatives, while two firearms were recovered from members of the criminal gang.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by family members and residents, who described it as a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.