The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a coordinated operation in Oyo State.
According to reports by ARISE TV, police operatives carried out the rescue on Saturday evening at about 7:30 p.m., engaging suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. During the operation, two of the suspects were killed, while firearms were recovered from the scene.
Mrs. John-Paul and her children were abducted on Wednesday, June 3, at approximately 7:30 a.m. while travelling to the boys’ school. Their kidnapping sparked concern among residents and prompted an intensive search effort by security agencies.
Sources within the police revealed that intelligence gathering and sustained tactical pressure played a key role in tracking the kidnappers and securing the victims’ release.
“The continuous intelligence-led operations and strategic pressure mounted by security personnel forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, resulting in the successful rescue of the victims,” a police source disclosed.
Security teams have since launched a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping gang believed to have escaped during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities suspect some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries and are likely hiding in surrounding communities.
While the rescue has been widely welcomed, it has also drawn comparisons with the ongoing plight of more than 30 schoolchildren and teachers who remain in captivity following attacks in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area since mid-May. The attackers reportedly killed one teacher, allegedly beheaded another in a disturbing video, and are demanding a substantial ransom as well as the enforcement of Sharia law.
The contrast between the swift rescue of the former minister’s relatives and the prolonged captivity of the school victims has generated debate on social media. Several users on X questioned whether victims connected to influential individuals receive faster attention from security agencies, while others called for greater efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons regardless of their social status.
