Oyo Govt demolishes building used as kidnappers’ hideout
The Oyo State Government has demolished the three-bedroom bungalow where kidnappers held hostage Mrs. Busayo Adelabu John-Paul and her twin sons in Ibadan.
Mrs. Adelabu John-Paul and the twins, the younger sister and nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, were abducted at Elewura area of Ring Road in Ibadan on June 3.
The hostages were, however, rescued by the police on Saturday night at Lako Community, Ayegun Anaye area of Ibadan, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised and others arrested.
The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday by a team led by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The commissioner said that the demolition was part of efforts by the government to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
According to Mogbonjubola, the state government has also revoked the land from its owner in its commitment to ensure safety of lives and combat insecurity in the state.
He admonished landlords’ associations, housing agents and residents in the state to always be vigilant about their surrounding and tenants living in their areas.
The commissioner advised residents to alert security agents and the government to any suspicious criminal activities.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Landlords Association, Ayegun- Lako Community, Mr. Matthew Olaiya, said that occupants of the three-bedroom bungalow rented the apartment recently.
Also present during the demolition was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Prince Goke Adenrele and other officials of the ministry.