JUST IN: Govt Demolishes Building Allegedly Used For Arms, Ammunition Storage in Ibadan
The Oyo State Government on Tuesday demolished a building in Ibadan allegedly used as a storage facility for arms and ammunition by suspected criminal elements, as part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.
The demolition, which was carried out under the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde, followed intelligence reports and investigations by security agencies linking the property to the concealment of weapons allegedly used for criminal activities.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Public Works, Hon. Abdul-mojeed Mogbonjubola, stated that the action was taken after security operatives uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition within the premises.
According to him, the development came amid sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating within Oyo State.
He recalled that the state had witnessed a series of kidnapping incidents in recent weeks, including the abduction of schoolchildren and another high-profile case involving a relative of a former federal minister.
Security investigations, he said, subsequently led to the discovery of criminal hideouts and properties allegedly connected to the activities of kidnappers and other violent offenders.
“Just a few days after earlier security operations, this particular location was identified as a major storage point for arms and ammunition, including heavy weapons.
“Following investigations by the police and a detailed report submitted by the Commissioner of Police to His Excellency, approval was given for the demolition of the property,” he said.
He stressed that the exercise was intended to serve as a strong deterrent to individuals or group involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state.
“This action sends a clear message that the Oyo State Government will not tolerate criminality in any form. Anyone using property to facilitate crime should know that there will be consequences,” he added.
While declining to disclose specific details about the weapons recovered, citing security considerations, the commissioner maintained that substantial quantities of arms and ammunition were discovered at the location.
He further disclosed that due process was followed before the demolition was carried out, noting that the state’s Ministry of Justice was duly informed after the governor approved the action.
Responding to questions from journalists, the commissioner clarified that the demolished building was not the same property previously linked to the kidnapping of the younger sister of a former minister, explaining that the latest discovery was a separate case involving the storage of weapons.
The government also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely information to law enforcement agencies.
“If you see something, say something. Landlords, property owners and agents must be vigilant. They should properly verify the identities and activities of prospective tenants before giving out their properties,” he advised.
Westernmirror reports that the demolition is the latest in a series of measures being implemented by the Makinde administration to curb criminal activities and strengthen public safety across Oyo State.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has announced the recovery of additional firearms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and other exhibits linked to a criminal network allegedly headed by one Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju.”
According to a follow-up statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, to an earlier release, ongoing investigations and further interrogation of the suspects arrested earlier led to fresh recoveries through intelligence-driven operations.
The additional exhibits recovered include a pump-action gun, a single-barrel gun, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two locally-made single-barrel pistols, a locally-made double-barrel pistol, 23 live cartridges and eight rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
The Command also recovered several vehicles believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation, including a Mazda bus, Hummer bus, BAW bus, multiple Toyota buses, two Toyota Sienna vehicles, a Ford Sharon, a Toyota Previa and a Nissan Cabstar. Other items recovered include a Suzuki Inazuma power bike, three scrap motorcycles and large quantities of Accord Party-branded hats, shirts and face caps.
The police said efforts were ongoing to determine the ownership and relevance of the recovered items as well as establish possible links to criminal activities within and outside Oyo State.
The Command added that investigations had been intensified to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Western Mirror
