Gunmen on Wednesday abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power and leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the children to school.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Media Aide to Chief Adelabu, on behalf of the family.
According to the statement, armed men intercepted Mrs. John-Paul and her children and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She recently retired from service after working at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian.
The statement disclosed that after her retirement last year, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States of America.
The family said security agencies were immediately notified following the incident and had commenced investigations aimed at rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
"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 read.
Chief Adelabu and members of his family expressed deep concern over the abduction but maintained confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
They also called on Nigerians to offer prayers and support during the difficult period and urged anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to promptly report it to the appropriate authorities.
The abduction has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts to secure the release of Mrs. John-Paul and her children were continuing.
No comments:
Post a Comment