The mother of former Minister of Power, Madam Olufunmilayo Adelabu, has recounted the anguish she endured after her daughter and twin grandsons were abducted barely a day after she prayed for the release of kidnap victims in Oyo State.
Speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan following the rescue of her family members, the elderly matriarch described the incident as a painful and unexpected ordeal that left her devastated.
According to her, she had spent the previous day praying for victims who were being held captive in Oriire Local Government Area, seeking divine intervention for their safe return.
She said it never crossed her mind that her own family would soon face a similar experience.
Madam Adelabu recalled receiving news of the abduction and being overwhelmed with grief, noting that the incident brought her to tears.
“No mother wants to hear that her children and grandchildren have fallen into the hands of kidnappers. It was a deeply painful moment for me,” she said.
Reflecting on the experience, she described it as a reminder that insecurity spares no one and can affect families irrespective of their social status or background.
She expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of her daughter and grandchildren and commended security operatives whose efforts led to their successful rescue.
The former minister’s mother also appreciated government officials and Nigerians who offered prayers and support during the period of uncertainty.
While celebrating the safe return of her loved ones, she said many families across the country were still enduring the pain of having relatives in captivity.
Madam Adelabu stated that her happiness would only be complete when other kidnap victims regain their freedom and reunite with their families.
She offered prayers for those still being held by abductors and urged security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The matriarch further expressed hope that ongoing security measures would lead to lasting peace and improved safety across the country, stressing the need for collective action to curb the growing menace of abductions.