Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday paid a solidarity visit to the residence of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, following the abduction of Adelabu’s younger sister and her two sons in Ibadan.
The visit came two days after the woman and her children were kidnapped by suspected abductors while on a routine school run in the Oyo State capital.
A video of the governor’s visit circulated widely on social media on Friday, showing Makinde arriving at Adelabu’s residence and being received by the former minister. The governor was later ushered into the house for a private discussion with the family.
The visit is being seen as a show of support for the Adelabu family as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring those responsible for the crime to justice.
According to Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victim was identified as 43-year-old Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul. She was reportedly abducted alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, on Wednesday.
Awogboro explained that the woman was carrying out her normal responsibility of taking her children to school when the incident occurred.
He said the abduction has left family members and friends deeply worried, adding that they are hopeful the victims will be rescued unharmed.
The family also revealed that John-Paul had only recently relocated to Ibadan with her children. According to relatives, she was making final preparations to travel to the United States to join her husband before the unfortunate incident took place.
The development has attracted widespread concern within Oyo State and beyond, especially because of the growing challenge of kidnapping and other violent crimes in different parts of the country.
Security agencies have since launched efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the incident has commenced.
Police authorities said tactical teams and other operational resources have been deployed to locate the abductors and rescue the woman and her children.
The command assured residents that it is committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims and the arrest of those behind the crime.
Although details of how the abduction occurred have not been fully disclosed, security officials said investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being coordinated across relevant units to obtain useful intelligence.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of insecurity and kidnapping in parts of Nigeria.
Over the past few years, kidnapping for ransom has become one of the major security challenges facing several states. Victims have included students, farmers, business owners, travellers, traditional rulers, politicians and family members of prominent individuals.
While many state governments have increased funding for security operations and strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies, criminal groups continue to exploit gaps in surveillance and intelligence gathering.
In Oyo State, the government has repeatedly pledged its commitment to improving security through investments in technology, intelligence sharing and support for security agencies.
Governor Makinde has on several occasions stated that security remains one of the key priorities of his administration. The state government has supported the police, military and other security agencies with vehicles, communication equipment and logistics to enhance their operations.
Friday’s visit to Adelabu’s residence is also significant because of the political relationship between the governor and the former minister.
Makinde is a leading figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Adelabu is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is widely regarded as one of the party’s major contenders for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Despite their political differences, the governor’s visit underscored the view that issues involving public safety and human lives should transcend party lines.
Many residents have also taken to social media to express sympathy for the family and to call for the quick rescue of the victims.
As investigations continue, the Adelabu family, friends and supporters remain hopeful that the woman and her twin sons will be found safe and reunited with their loved ones.
For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing police operation and the efforts of security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom.
The Oyo State Police Command has appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist investigators, assuring that credible intelligence will be treated with confidentiality.