A wave of shock has swept through Ibadan following the reported abduction of close family members of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial hopeful in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu.
His younger sister and her twin children were reportedly seized by armed men in a sudden attack on Wednesday morning.
Attack Reported in Challenge Area
The incident is said to have taken place in the Challenge area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area, a busy part of the city in Oyo State.
An eyewitness account indicated that the family was leaving their residence in Elewura, heading toward the expressway, when they were intercepted by the attackers.
According to reports, the gunmen struck swiftly, forcing the victims into their vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The precise timing and execution of the operation left residents in shock and fear.
Media Aide Confirms Abduction
Confirmation of the incident came through one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, who disclosed that the victims included the politician’s younger sister and her twin sons identified as Peter and Paul.
He explained that the family was en route from Elewura to connect to the express road when the armed men ambushed them and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
Growing Security Concerns in Oyo State
The abduction adds to a troubling pattern of kidnappings recorded in recent months across Oyo State.
In a separate incident earlier this year, over 40 teachers and students were reportedly abducted during an attack in the Oriire Local Government Area, raising concerns about the safety of schools and rural communities.
Residents have continued to express anxiety over what they describe as increasing boldness of armed groups operating within the state.
Previous High-Profile Abduction Cases
The latest case also follows another high-profile kidnapping involving a chieftain of the APC in the state, Wale Oriade, who was abducted in December 2025.
He was seized at his office inside a shopping complex along the Akala Expressway area of Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses at the time described how armed men arrived in a small vehicle, executed the operation with precision, and escaped immediately with their victim.
Police Response Still Uncertain
As of Wednesday, official confirmation from law enforcement authorities remained limited.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that he could not independently verify the incident at the time of reporting and asked for more time for confirmation.
Meanwhile, the development has intensified calls for improved security measures across Ibadan and other vulnerable parts of Oyo State as investigations continue.
