The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in Ibadan that was used as an operational hideout by a notorious kidnapping syndicate.
The structure, located in the Lakoun community along the Ayegun-Olojuoro Road axis of Ibadan, was identified by intelligence officials as the base where Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul—the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu—and her 12-year-old twin sons were held captive before their rescue.
The demolition exercise followed a high-powered security assessment of the site led by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola.
High-Stakes Rescue Operation
The flattening of the criminal den comes on the heels of a successful weekend security raid. During the tactical operation to free the victims, security forces engaged the gang in a gun duel, resulting in the death of two members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Four other suspects arrested at the scene were paraded at the State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan. Authorities are using the breakthrough to urge community members to remain vigilant and report any individuals seeking medical treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.
Setting a Precedent Against Criminality
Government officials emphasized that the demolition serves as a stern warning to property owners and land grabbers who allow their facilities to be utilized for criminal operations.
Meanwhile, prominent Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho issued a statement clarifying that he played no personal role in the rescue mission, despite rumors circulating on social media. Igboho credited the success entirely to the state security operatives, praising their swift and tactical execution.
