By Adeola Badru, IBADAN
A day after offering prayers for the safe return of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Madam Olufunmilayo Adelabu found herself facing a similar nightmare when her daughter and twin grandsons were kidnapped.
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The elderly matriarch, mother of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, 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 Force.
Recounting the emotional ordeal, 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.
“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.
Madam Adelabu 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,” she said.
She called for sustained efforts by security agencies and stakeholders to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities, expressing hope that Nigeria would witness lasting peace and improved security.
