Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu, mother of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has shared how she wept over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state, only for her own daughter and twin grandsons to be kidnapped the next day.
The elderly matriarch disclosed this while speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan on Sunday, following the successful rescue of her daughter and grandchildren by operatives of the Nigeria Police.
Top Society had reported that the family was abducted by armed gunmen on Tuesday, June 3, 2026, in Ibadan while the mother was dropping off her twin sons at school. They were rescued ‘unharmed’ on Saturday night by police operatives during an operation in which two suspected kidnappers were neutralised.
Recounting the emotional ordeal with palpable relief and joy, Madam Adelabu said she was left heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief when news of the abduction reached her.
“I was devastated when I heard what had happened. It brought me to tears because no mother wishes to receive such frightening news about her children and grandchildren,” she said.
What made the experience even more poignant, according to her, was that she had spent the previous day praying for the release of victims who had been kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
“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.
“I had sincerely prayed for those who were in captivity in Oriire, asking God to bring them home safely. I never imagined that the very next day, my daughter and grandchildren would become victims of a similar incident,” she said.
The matriarch described the development as a painful reminder that insecurity can affect any family, regardless of status or background.
She expressed profound gratitude to God and to security operatives whose efforts led to the safe rescue of her loved ones.
“I thank God Almighty for preserving their lives and bringing them back to us safely. I also appreciate the Nigeria Police Force, government officials and all well-meaning Nigerians who stood by us and supported the rescue efforts,” she stated.
Despite the relief of being reunited with her daughter and grandchildren, Madam Adelabu said her thoughts remained with families whose relatives are still being held captive across the country.
“My joy will be complete when every victim still in captivity regains freedom and returns home safely to their loved ones. I continue to pray for the victims in Oriire and others facing similar situations across the country.
“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.
