The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive during a rescue operation carried out around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

According to a source in the Force, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang.

The victims, including the younger sister of the former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while on their way to drop the children at school in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.

The source disclosed that security operatives are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

In a statement confirming her abduction, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs John-Paul was taking her children to school, leaving the family in distress.

“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family’s statement read in part.

She is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, who reportedly retired voluntarily from her career at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, amid recent criticisms over his alleged role in the cancellation of a planned protest, warning Nigerians against narratives capable of deepening ethnic and religious divisions.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday, Obi urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos, where he said political discussions shifted from issues of governance and competence to ethnic and tribal sentiments.

He said debates that should have focused on development and national progress were instead diverted into divisive conversations that weakened unity.

“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor warned that similar tactics were resurfacing ahead of future political contests, cautioning that some narratives were being deliberately amplified to sow distrust among citizens.

Reacting to criticisms against Adeboye, Obi described the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost religious leaders, noting that his teachings have consistently centred on peace, reconciliation, prayer and national unity.

He also said Adeboye had continued to respond to public criticism with “humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.”

Obi further cautioned that responsibility for national transformation should not be unfairly shifted onto elderly leaders, stressing that younger Nigerians must take greater ownership of reforms and development.

He urged youths to reject attempts to recruit them into hatred or division, adding that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity and collective responsibility over narrow interests.

Rpivers state chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has played down the overbearing influence of the ‘Rainbow Coalition’, a political movement associated with the minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike.

The party said that democracy thrives only on competition, and every political party has the constitutional right to seek the mandate of the people.

Making the view of the party known on Thursday, the state chairman of the ADC, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa said “while we welcome the emergence of new political movements, the ADC remains focused on building a strong grassroots structure, presenting credible candidates, and offering practical solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians”.