Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, June 5th, 2026, paid a sympathy visit to the residence of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, following the abduction of his younger sister and her twin sons in Ibadan.
During the visit, Governor Makinde expressed concern over the incident and offered words of comfort to the family. He also assured them that security agencies were actively working to secure the safe release of the victims and bring those responsible for the crime to justice.
The governor’s visit highlights growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen security and protect residents.
Family members and associates who received the governor appreciated the gesture, expressing optimism that the victims would soon be rescued unharmed.
The visit comes days after the family of Adebayo Adelabu confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, the family disclosed that the victims were kidnapped by armed gunmen around 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school in Ibadan.
According to the family, the incident was immediately reported to security and law enforcement agencies, which have since launched investigations and intensified rescue operations.
Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. The family noted that she recently retired after working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. She had relocated to Ibadan with her children and was reportedly making arrangements to join her husband in the United States before the unfortunate incident occurred.
Security agencies have yet to provide further details on the progress of the rescue efforts as investigations continue.
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In similar news, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced a statewide restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, as part of fresh measures aimed at tackling insecurity and criminal activities.
The governor disclosed the directive on Friday during a public address on the security situation in the state and ongoing efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to Makinde, commercial motorcycle operators will no longer be allowed to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across Oyo State.
“Consequently, the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. throughout our state,” the governor stated.
He explained that the measure forms part of additional security strategies designed to enhance public safety and curb criminal activities, urging residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and sharing useful information through the state’s emergency response channels.
“We can create laws and regulations, but their success ultimately depends on the cooperation of our people,” he said. “This is another opportunity to remind us all that security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something.”
Governor Makinde also reassured residents that efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils remain a top priority for his administration. He noted that the state government is working closely with security agencies but cannot disclose operational details due to the sensitive nature of the rescue mission.
“Every day our teachers and children remain in captivity is a painful day for their families, their communities and all of us in our state,” he said. “I want to assure our people that efforts are ongoing around the clock, and that the safe return of those abducted remains a top priority of this administration.”
The directive comes nearly three weeks after armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso on May 15, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State and beyond, raising concerns over the safety of schools and communities. Public anxiety intensified after the abductors reportedly killed one of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, while threatening to execute others still in captivity.
The crisis prompted the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers to commence an indefinite strike on June 1, demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and improved security across schools.
In recent weeks, the state government has held consultations with education stakeholders, security agencies, and labour leaders as pressure mounts for the safe return of those abducted.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday rejected calls for negotiations with the kidnappers, insisting that government must not encourage criminality by engaging abductors. The lawmakers instead urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
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