The family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed deep appreciation to security agencies following the successful rescue of his sister, Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons from kidnappers.
Family members also thanked Nigerians for their prayers, support, and solidarity throughout the period of uncertainty surrounding the abduction.
Speaking after the victims regained their freedom, the former minister’s mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, described their safe return as a moment of immense gratitude and relief for the family.
According to her, the painful experience began when news of the kidnapping reached the family, leaving them devastated and uncertain about what the outcome would be.
Mrs. Adelabu said she remains thankful that her daughter and grandsons were rescued alive and reunited with their loved ones.
While celebrating the development, she extended her thoughts to other families whose relatives are still being held captive, particularly victims of recent abductions in Oriire. She expressed hope that they would also return home safely.
“My prayers are with the victims of the Oriire abductions and their families. I hope they will soon regain their freedom and be reunited with their loved ones,” she said.
The elder stateswoman spoke with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan shortly after police operatives secured the release of the abductees on Saturday night.
Recalling events leading up to the incident, she revealed that she had prayed for the safe return of victims of the Oriire kidnapping only a day before her own daughter and grandchildren were abducted.
She noted that she never imagined her family would face a similar ordeal less than 24 hours later.
Mrs. Adelabu also commended security personnel, government officials, and concerned Nigerians whose efforts contributed to the rescue operation.
She prayed for the release of all persons currently in captivity and called for lasting peace and improved security across the country.
Mrs. John-Paul and her 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 threw the Adelabu family into distress and sparked widespread concern.
The kidnapping occurred only weeks after the abduction of several schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that triggered public outrage and protests in different parts of the country.
Following the abduction, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid a visit to Adelabu on Friday, assuring him that authorities had intensified efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
Security sources later confirmed that the rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a source within the Force, two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with police personnel, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang during the operation.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by family members and well-wishers, who described it as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country.
