The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used by kidnappers to detain the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons during their captivity.
The property, located in the Lako Community along Ayegun-Anaye Road in Ibadan, was pulled down on Monday as part of the state’s efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The demolition exercise was led by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Prince Goke Adenrele, and other government officials.
Speaking during the exercise, Mogbonjubola said the government took the action to send a strong warning to property owners against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities.
According to him, the state government has also revoked ownership of the land on which the building stood as part of its determination to ensure the safety of residents and curb insecurity across the state.
“The government will not tolerate situations where properties are used as hideouts for criminals. This action serves as a clear warning to landlords and property owners to be vigilant and ensure their properties are not used for unlawful purposes,” he said.
The commissioner urged landlords’ associations, housing agents and residents to pay closer attention to activities within their communities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies and government authorities.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Ayegun-Lako Community Landlords Association, Mr. Matthew Olaiya, disclosed that the occupant of the bungalow had only recently rented the property.
Olaiya noted that residents became concerned about the tenant’s unusual lifestyle, stating that he frequently returned home late at night and was often absent from the house for several days at a time.
When asked whether residents had observed any suspicious activities before the abduction incident, Olaiya said the occupant largely kept to himself, making it difficult for neighbours to ascertain his activities.
The demolition follows the successful rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons by security operatives after they were abducted by kidnappers, an operation that also led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of weapons and operational vehicles.
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, warning that any property linked to criminal activities could face similar sanctions.
