Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Sons as Two Kidnappers Die in Shootout

Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, a sister to former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have regained their freedom after a police rescue operation that ended in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Oyo State.

The victims were rescued alive on Saturday evening following a tactical operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who engaged the abductors in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Two members of the kidnapping gang were killed during the operation, while security personnel recovered two firearms from the suspects.

Mrs. John-Paul, 43, and her sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 at the Challenge-Elewura area of Ibadan while she was reportedly taking the children to school in a wine-coloured Hyundai Sonata.

The incident triggered widespread concern, with security agencies launching an intensive search to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Police sources said a combination of intelligence gathering and sustained pressure on the kidnappers led operatives to the hideout where the victims were being held.

The sources disclosed that the criminals resisted arrest and opened fire on security operatives, prompting a gun duel that resulted in the deaths of two suspects and the successful rescue of the hostages.

The victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their family.

Security operatives have continued combing surrounding communities and forested areas in search of other members of the gang believed to have escaped during the confrontation.

Investigators suspect some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries and are monitoring hospitals and other locations where they could seek treatment.

The rescue came barely a day after Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, paid a sympathy visit to Adelabu over the abduction.

A video of the visit showed the governor expressing concern over the incident and offering words of comfort to the former minister.

“Brother, sorry. This is the trouble we all find ourselves,” Makinde was heard telling Adelabu before both men proceeded into a private meeting.

The abduction had drawn public attention across political divides, with many residents calling for intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

Police authorities have yet to release the identities of the slain suspects as investigations continue.