The Oyo State Government has demolished a residential property allegedly used as a hideout for criminal elements and a storehouse for arms and ammunition in Ibadan, as part of its efforts to tackle insecurity and criminal activities across the state.
The property, consisting of a storey building and two bungalows within a fenced compound, is located at Gbenku community, Arubiewe Road, off Olodo Garage in Egbeda Local Government Area.
The demolition was carried out on Tuesday by a government team led by the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Area, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Prince Goke Adenrele, and other government officials.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, Mogbonjubola disclosed that security agencies discovered a cache of weapons in the building during an ongoing investigation and subsequently alerted the state government for appropriate action.
According to the commissioner, the demolition aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s determination to strengthen security measures, combat criminality, and safeguard lives and property in the state.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate the use of residential buildings or any other structures as bases for criminal operations, warning that such properties would face sanctions in accordance with the law.
Mogbonjubola also called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities to security agencies. He further urged landlords and property agents to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants before renting out properties to them.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies to sustain peace and security across Oyo State.
