Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons Wednesday morning.
The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. as Olaide drove to drop her children at school near her residence in Elewura, Challenge area, Ibadan, according to an eyewitness who spoke to _The Nation_ on condition of anonymity.
–“Operation seemed premeditated”–
The source said gunmen ambushed her on a quiet road, shooting sporadically to scare residents and passersby.
“Our attentions were drawn to the scene with the sound of gunshots that rented the atmosphere. Business and other activities were temporarily put on hold as people scampered for safety,” the eyewitness said.
“We later discovered that a mother of two in her late 40s alongside her children has been whisked away to an unknown destination by suspected gunmen.”
–Red Hyundai Sonata abandoned, engine running–
According to the account, Olaide was forced out of her red Hyundai Sonata and driven away with her sons in a car brought by the kidnappers.
“Even when we got to the car, the engine and air conditioner were still running and people were scared to even touch it,” he added.
The witness said the attackers “drove to overtake the car on the quiet road and burst out on RingRoad heading towards Challenge area.”
“It was like they were waiting for her around her residence. The operation seem premeditated and planned,” he stated.
–Family ties–
Olaide is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, and younger sibling of Adebayo Adelabu, immediate past Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant.
“Many people who were not aware recognized the car and the owner. They knew her husband lives abroad. She is a family member of Adebayo Adelabu,” the source said.
“The street has been quiet since the incident as people still could not believe it. People could not even come out, but were only peeping when the noise of gunshots attracted them.”
–Police confirm, begin probe–
Oyo Police Command confirmed the abduction and said investigations have commenced. No group has claimed responsibility and ransom demands have not been reported as of press time.
The kidnapping adds to rising insecurity in Ibadan, with high-profile abductions raising fresh concerns over safety on residential routes during school runs.
