*Govt Demolishes Building Where Kidnapped Adelabu Sibling, Sons Were Kept
*APM Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate, Oguntoyinbo, Applauds Police On Rescue
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Principal of Oriire Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, who is in captivity alongside other abducted victims, has dismissed a widely circulated report in the media (not in People&Politics) alleging that their abductors are demanding a ransom of N1 billion, imposition of Sharia law, or supply of weapons as conditions for their release.
This is just as the Oyo State government, on Monday, demolished a building from which Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons were rescued when they were in captivity.
In a new viral video message believed to have been recorded from captivity and which surfaced on Monday, the principal of Community High School appealed to Nigerians and government authorities not to complicate efforts aimed at securing their freedom through what she described as false and misleading reports.
According to her, the kidnappers had made only one demand since their abduction, which was the release of some of their detained associates.
The school administrator, who disclosed that the victims had spent 24 days in captivity, said reports attributing other demands to the abductors were inaccurate and capable of jeopardising ongoing efforts to secure their release.
“We were shown some print media reports stating that these people requested the release of some persons, demanded a billion Naira ransom and wanted Sharia law entrenched in the country. These claims are not true,” she said.
Mrs. Alamu insisted that neither she nor the other captives had been pressured to adopt any religious practice during their captivity, contrary to suggestions that the abductors were pursuing a religious agenda.
“We have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law and they are not asking for money,” she stated.
She maintained that the only issue raised by the kidnappers was the release of some individuals currently in government custody, urging authorities to engage with them on that matter.
“The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. The government can negotiate with them and determine those they will release. I do not know why some people are spreading rumours that make our situation more complicated,” she said.
The visibly distressed principal appealed to Nigerians to help amplify what she described as the true position of the abductors’ demands, while appealing against attempts to politicise the plight of the captives.
“Please, Nigerians, help us circulate this message. Do not play politics with our lives. Our lives are in your hands. Let everybody know they are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for weapons and they are not asking for money,” she said.
She further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to mislead the public and the international community regarding the circumstances surrounding their captivity.
“Please do not let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some of their people,” she added.
It was not possible which government she referred to -federal, state or local government.
The latest development has added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the abduction, with the principal’s remarks contradicting reports that had suggested the kidnappers were demanding huge sums of money and pursuing broader ideological objectives.
As of the time of filing this report, government authorities had yet to officially respond to the claims contained in the viral message, while efforts to secure the release of the abducted principal and other victims continue.
In a related development, the state government demolished a three-bedroom bungalow located in the Lako Community, Aiyegun-Anaye road area of Ibadan.
The building was allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her children.
The demolition exercise was carried out by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who visited the scene.
The exercise was also part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
The victims, Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old twins, Peter and Paul, were abducted at Elewura, Challenge area of Ibadan on Wednesday, 3 June.
The state government said the action underscoreed its commitment to combating insecurity and dismantling criminal networks operating within Oyo State.
APM Oyo Central Senatorial candidate, Oguntoyinbo, Applauds Police On Rescue Of Adelabu’s Sister, Sons
Meanwhile, Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Oyo Central Senatorial candidate, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts which led to the safe rescue of Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons alive during a late-night rescue operation carried out around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 6 June.
Recall that the victims, including the younger sister of the former Minister of Power were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on 3 June, 2026, while on her way to drop the children at school.
Police disclosed that through sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure, it forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Ajadi said Nigerians were highly impressed with the performance of the Police leading to the successful safe rescue of the victims.
He said the gallant officers involved in the rescue operation displayed mature professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He gave kudos to the Nigerian Police, saying the exercise of last Saturday had restored confidence in Nigerians that they had a Force that could come to their aid during ordeals with the men of the underworld.
Oguntoyinbo also commended Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his dedication to the safety of Oyo residents.
He, in particular, mentioned the visit of the governor to Chief Adelabu in his residence few days ago where he assured him that his sister and her twin sons would be rescued safely.
Oguntoyinbo also tasked the Police and other security agencies to intensify efforts at rescuing the kidnapped teachers, pupils and principal from Orire Local Government Area.
He said both the government and the Police should not relent their efforts in bringing the kidnapped victims home safely.
He prayed for more strength for Gov. Makinde, saying his sleepless nights for the past days over the Orire kidnapping incident would be crowned with successful rescue of the victims alive.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
