I cried for kidnapped pupils before my daughter was abducted — Adelabu’s mother

The mother of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has shared her emotional ordeal, revealing she wept over the abduction of schoolchildren just a day before her own daughter and twin grandsons were kidnapped.

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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.

Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu recounted her experience in a viral video following the safe rescue of her last daughter, Olaide Adegoke, and her twin grandsons. The family was abducted by gunmen on Tuesday, June 3, 2026, in Ibadan and were rescued unharmed on Saturday night by police operatives who neutralized two suspected kidnappers.

Expressing profound gratitude, Mrs. Adelabu spoke of her relief and joy. She also extended prayers for the release of other hostages, particularly the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area days prior. "May God release them from captivity. I prayed for them too, just as I prayed for my children over the past five days," she stated, expressing faith that the same God who freed her children would free others.

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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.

The abduction of the Adelabu family highlights a recent surge in kidnapping incidents across Nigeria. The earlier mass abduction in Oriire LGA had already sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about insecurity, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of Oyo State.

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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.