The Oyo State Government has demolished a building in the Lakoun community along Ayegun-Olojuoro Road in Ibadan that was allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of relatives of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
The demolished structure was identified by security operatives as the location where Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, Adelabu’s younger sister, and her 12-year-old twin sons were reportedly held before being rescued during a police operation over the weekend.
The demolition was carried out on Monday following a security assessment of the property led by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, on Sunday.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed heavy equipment tearing down the building, which authorities believe served as a base for the kidnapping syndicate.
Local media platforms Oyo Affairs and Oyo Matters shared footage of the exercise, describing the demolition as part of the government’s response to the abduction incident that drew widespread public attention.
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The action comes days after security operatives successfully rescued the victims in a coordinated operation. During the raid, two suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed in a gun battle, while four others were arrested and later paraded at the Oyo State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
Police authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network who may still be at large.
The demolition is seen as a strong warning to criminal elements operating within the state and underscores the government’s determination to dismantle structures linked to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to strengthen security measures and ensure that those involved in the abduction face the full weight of the law.
