By Festus Damilare Ukolo | Fact Frontier.
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In a major success for security forces in Oyo State, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of three relatives of Chief Bayo Adelabu, a prominent Nigerian politician and current Minister of Power. The victims – Chief Adelabu’s sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul – were freed alive on Saturday evening following a fierce gun battle between police operatives and the abductors.
The Oyo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, announced the successful rescue in a brief statement issued to journalists in Ibadan. According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a combined team of tactical police units who had been tracking the kidnappers since the victims were abducted several days ago.
“It is with great relief that we confirm the safe and unconditional release of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her two sons, Peter and Paul. They were rescued at about 4:30 pm today in a forested area along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road. Our operatives engaged the criminal elements in a sustained gunfight. During the exchange, all the abductors were neutralised, and a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from them,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesperson further explained that the rescue was the result of actionable intelligence and coordinated efforts between local police stations and the state command’s anti-kidnapping squad. He praised the courage of the operatives, noting that no ransom was paid, contrary to speculation on social media.
“I want to assure the public that the police will not relent in its fight against banditry and kidnapping. The victims have been reunited with their family and are currently receiving medical checks at an undisclosed facility. They are in stable condition, though understandably shaken,” Ayanlade added.
Chief Bayo Adelabu, who has not yet issued an official statement as of the time of this report, is believed to have personally thanked the security forces for their swift action. Family sources, however, expressed deep gratitude to the police and the Oyo State Government for their support throughout the ordeal.
The abduction had earlier sparked widespread concern, given Chief Adelabu’s high-profile political standing. He is a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and currently serves as the Minister of Power under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The incident had once again highlighted the persistent security challenges in parts of the Southwest, despite recent improvements.
Residents of Ibadan and political associates of the Adelabu family have flooded social media with messages of relief and congratulations. Many commended the police for demonstrating professionalism and restraint, particularly by ensuring the safe return of the victims without any casualties among them.
The police have urged anyone with useful information about other criminal hideouts in the region to come forward, while reaffirming their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State and beyond.
