The Oyo State Government on Tuesday demolished three residential structures in Ibadan allegedly linked to criminal operations, following the discovery of weapons and ammunition within the premises.
The affected buildings, located inside a walled compound along Arubiewe Road in the Gbendu community, off Olodo Garage, were identified by security agencies as properties allegedly used by criminal elements as operational bases and storage points for arms.
Speaking during the demolition exercise, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Mr. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, described the structures as a significant security threat to the state.
According to him, investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the compound had become a centre for the concealment of weapons and other dangerous materials.
He explained that the decision to pull down the buildings followed recommendations from the state police command after its findings were submitted to Governor Seyi Makinde.
“So instruction came that we should demolish the buildings, and that’s what we’re doing right now,” he said.
Mogbonjubola noted that the demolition was carried out in line with established procedures and government regulations, stressing that the action was part of broader efforts to strengthen security across the state.
He reiterated the administration’s determination to deny criminal groups safe havens within Oyo communities, recalling that a similar operation had recently been conducted against a property connected to the abduction of a relative of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu.
“As we have always maintained, what we are doing today serves as a strong deterrent to those engaged in criminal activities in the state.
“The governor won’t tolerate all the inadequacies of these bad eggs in the state,” he said.
The commissioner further appealed to residents to support security efforts by remaining alert and reporting suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.
He also urged landlords, estate managers and property agents to carry out proper background checks on prospective tenants before leasing properties, warning that negligence could unintentionally aid criminal activities.
The demolition underscores the state government’s continued crackdown on facilities suspected to be aiding criminal networks, as authorities intensify efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats across Oyo State.
(Ripples)