The family of the former Minister of Power and a chieftain of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed deep distress over the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
To this end, the family expressed confidence that security agencies will secure their safe release.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.
The family also called for prayers and support from well-meaning Nigerians as security operatives intensify efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
According to the statement, Mrs John-Paul, 43, and her twin sons were kidnapped by gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while she was on her way to drop the children off at school in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The abductors reportedly intercepted the vehicle and forcefully whisked away the mother and her children to an unknown destination.
The family disclosed that all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the incident and had since commenced investigations.
“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 statement said.
According to the statement,
Mrs John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Until her voluntary retirement last year, she worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later at First Bank Pension Custodian.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to join her husband, Mr John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
The family assured the public of its full cooperation with security agencies and pledged to provide updates as the situation develops.
It also urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to report such information through the appropriate channels.
