By Ranti Thomas
Fresh fears over rising insecurity in Oyo State emerged on Wednesday after gunmen reportedly kidnapped the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, along with her twin children in Ibadan.
The victims were said to have been abducted in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while travelling out of their residence on Wednesday morning. According to sources familiar with the incident, the family members were intercepted by armed men who whisked them away to an unknown destination.
A media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the development, identifying the victims as Adelabu’s younger sister and her twin children, Peter and Paul. He explained that the family was heading towards the expressway when the attackers struck and forcefully took them away.
The latest abduction has heightened concerns about the worsening security situation in Oyo State, where residents have faced a series of kidnappings and violent attacks in recent months. The incident comes barely weeks after the abduction of dozens of teachers and pupils during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an event that triggered protests and nationwide outrage.
The state has also witnessed several high-profile kidnapping cases over the past year, including attacks on politicians, business owners and other residents, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately verify the incident but promised to provide further information after obtaining details from relevant authorities.
The abduction has sparked anxiety among residents, many of whom have repeatedly called for stronger security presence in vulnerable communities and along major roads across the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown, while security agencies were yet to announce any arrests or rescue operation linked to the incident.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the spread of kidnapping across different parts of Nigeria, with citizens increasingly demanding tougher action against criminal gangs operating on highways, rural communities and urban centres.