Gratitude and relief filled the home of the Adelabus in Ibadan on Sunday as Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu thanked security agencies for rescuing her daughter, Mrs. Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons from kidnappers.
Speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the mother of former Minister of Power and 2027 Oyo governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, said she remained deeply thankful that her daughter and grandsons were brought back alive.
She also appreciated Nigerians who supported the family with prayers and encouragement throughout the ordeal.
According to her, the abduction left the family devastated because of the uncertainty usually associated with kidnapping incidents in the country.
Mrs. Adelabu disclosed that a day before her daughter’s abduction, she had prayed for the safe return of victims kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, unaware that her own family would face a similar tragedy shortly afterwards.
While expressing joy over the rescue, she offered prayers for all victims still in captivity across the country and appealed for improved peace and security nationwide.
She further commended the Nigeria Police Force, government officials, and other individuals whose efforts contributed to the successful rescue operation.
Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was taking the children to school in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
Sources said armed men trailed the vehicle conveying the victims before intercepting and abducting them, throwing the family into panic.
The incident came amid heightened concern over insecurity in Oyo State following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that triggered protests and public outrage.
Following the kidnapping, Governor Seyi Makinde visited Adelabu on Friday and assured the family that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue the victims.
The breakthrough came on Saturday night when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force stormed a hideout at Ayegun in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
According to police sources, the operation followed credible intelligence that led officers to a three-bedroom bungalow where the victims were being held.
A gun battle reportedly erupted during the raid, resulting in the death of two suspected kidnappers, while four others were arrested.
Police authorities also recovered firearms from the suspects, including a pump-action gun allegedly used by the gang.
Some members of the group were said to have escaped with gunshot wounds sustained during the exchange of fire.
Confirming the operation, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, said the rescue was made possible through actionable intelligence received by the command.
“The police acted on a tip-off, which eventually resulted in the rescuing of the victims,” the commissioner said while conducting journalists around the area where the operation took place.
At the end of the rescue operation, Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons regained freedom unharmed.
The successful operation has since attracted commendations from residents and supporters who praised security agencies for securing the release of the victims alive.
