The Oyo State Government has demolished a building in Ibadan that was allegedly being used as a storage facility for arms and ammunition by suspected criminal elements.
The demolition, carried out on Tuesday on the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde, followed intelligence reports and investigations by security agencies. The property was linked to the concealment of weapons believed to have been used in various criminal activities.
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the state Commissioner for Public Works, said the action became necessary after security operatives uncovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition at the premises. He noted that the discovery was part of ongoing efforts to curb rising security threats and disrupt criminal operations across Oyo State.
The commissioner said the state had recently witnessed several kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren and a separate high-profile case involving a relative of a former federal minister. Investigations led security agencies to several suspected criminal hideouts and properties allegedly connected to kidnappers and other violent offenders.
“Shortly after previous security operations, this location was identified as a major storage point for arms and ammunition, including sophisticated weapons,” Mogbonjubola said. “Following comprehensive investigations by the police and the submission of a detailed report by the Commissioner of Police to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde approved the demolition of the property.”
Mogbonjubola stressed that the operation was intended to serve as a clear warning to individuals and groups involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of violent crime. “This action underscores the Oyo State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality. Anyone who uses property to facilitate criminal activities should be aware that there will be serious consequences,” he added.
He declined to reveal the exact nature and quantity of the weapons recovered for security reasons but maintained that a significant stockpile was discovered at the site. He also disclosed that all necessary legal and administrative procedures were observed before the demolition, noting that the Ministry of Justice was duly informed following the governor’s approval.
Mogbonjubola clarified that the demolished structure wasn't related to a property previously linked to the kidnapping of the younger sister of a former minister. That case, he explained, was a separate operation involving the storage of illegal weapons.
The government appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence. “If you see something, say something. Landlords, property owners and estate agents must exercise due diligence by properly verifying the identities and activities of prospective tenants before leasing their properties,” he urged.
The demolition is the latest measure introduced by the Makinde administration as part of its broader strategy to combat criminality and enhance public safety throughout Oyo State.