The Oyo government destroyed alleged criminal hideouts following the discovery of a weapons stockpile

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday demolished three residential buildings in Ibadan suspected of being linked to criminal operations, following the discovery of arms and ammunition inside the buildings.

The affected buildings, located within a walled complex along Arubiewe Road in Gbendu community, near Olodo Garage, were identified by security agencies as properties allegedly used by criminal elements as operational bases and weapons storage areas.

Speaking during the demolition exercise, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Mr. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, described the building as a significant security threat to the country.

According to him, investigations by law enforcement officers showed that the complex was a center for hiding weapons and other dangerous materials.

He explained that the decision to demolish the building followed recommendations from the state police command after its findings were submitted to Governor Seyi Makinde.

“So there were instructions that we had to demolish those buildings, and that’s what we’re doing now,” he said.

Mogbonjubola noted that the demolition was carried out in accordance with established government procedures and regulations, and stressed that the action was part of broader efforts to strengthen security across the state.

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He reiterated government’s resolve to deny safe haven to criminal gangs in Oyo communities, noting that a similar operation was recently carried out on properties linked to the kidnapping of relatives of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu.

“As we have always emphasized, what we are doing today serves as a powerful deterrent to those involved in criminal activity in this state.

“The governor will not tolerate any shortage of bad eggs in this state,” he said.

The commissioner further appealed to residents to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

He also urged landlords, property managers and property agents to carry out proper background checks on prospective tenants before renting out properties, and warned that negligence could inadvertently aid criminal activity.

The destruction underscores the state government’s ongoing crackdown on facilities suspected of aiding criminal networks, as authorities intensify efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats across Oyo State.