By Peace Udugba
The Oyo State Government on Monday demolished a residential building in Ibadan used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her two children.
The three-bedroom bungalow, located in the Lako community along the Aiyegun–Anaye Road in Oluyole Local Government Area, was pulled down by officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation under heavy security protection.
Authorities said the property was used as both a hideout and detention centre for kidnapping operations. They added that the demolition was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal structures and strengthen security across the state.
The action followed the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3 in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan. Security operatives later tracked and rescued the victims after locating the suspects.
Government officials said the demolition was intended as a strong warning to criminal networks operating in the state, stressing that any property found to be used for illegal activities would be decisively dealt with.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, confirmed that preliminary investigations showed the building had been repeatedly used as a transit point and detention facility for kidnapped victims.
He also faulted some residents of the area for allegedly failing to report suspicious activities around the property, despite noticing unusual movements.
“Some residents were aware of what was happening but failed to report it. In some cases, they even exchanged pleasantries with the suspects,” he said, adding that timely information could have helped prevent or disrupt the criminal operations earlier.
Olugbenga urged residents to be more vigilant and to promptly report suspicious persons and activities, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
Meanwhile, he declined to confirm reports linking Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho to the rescue operation, saying he was not aware of any such involvement.
The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to continuing demolition of properties linked to criminal activities as part of its broader security crackdown.
