Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, mother of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has narrated how she was moved to tears over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, only to experience a similar ordeal when her daughter and twin grandsons were kidnapped the next day.
She shared the experience in a video circulated by Oyo Affairs on Sunday after the successful rescue of her daughter, Olaide Adegoke, and the twins.
The victims were reportedly abducted by armed men in Ibadan on Tuesday, June 3, 2026. Security operatives later rescued them on Saturday night during an operation that also led to the killing of two suspected kidnappers.
Expressing gratitude following their return, Mrs. Adelabu thanked God for preserving the lives of her loved ones.
“Olaide, Peter’s mother, is my daughter, my last born. I am very happy, very happy. I give thanks to God for the mercy bestowed upon me,” she said.
“That I cried and saw helpers, and saw that my children were rescued unhurt; that my children came home in peace, and I can see all three of them. I thank all those involved in ensuring they were released.”
While celebrating the safe return of her family members, she recalled her emotional reaction to the earlier abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA.
“A day before my children’s incident, I wept bitterly when I saw those children on the phone, without knowing it would happen to me too the following day,” she said.
Mrs. Adelabu also offered prayers for those who remain in captivity, expressing hope that they would soon regain their freedom.
“May God release them from captivity. I prayed for them too, just as I prayed for my children over the past five days. The God who freed my children from bondage will free others too. None of them will die there. They will all come home safely,” she said.
She further prayed for divine intervention in the nation’s security challenges and for the authorities handling the situation.
“God will help stop such occurrences in Nigeria. God will help the government and Nigeria.”
The rescue of the Adelabu family comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over kidnapping incidents across the country.
Particularly troubling was the recent abduction of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that generated widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about security in rural and semi-urban communities within Oyo State.
