The Oyo State Government has demolished a building allegedly used as a hideout by the kidnappers of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons.
The demolition, carried out on Monday morning, came less than 48 hours after security operatives successfully rescued the victims from captivity.
Authorities said the action underscored the state’s determination to rid Oyo of criminal elements and enforce its zero-tolerance policy against insecurity.
According to government officials, the exercise was jointly executed by the Oyo State Ministry of Lands and Housing and security agencies following intelligence reports that linked the structure to the gang responsible for the abduction.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 along the Elewura area of Ring Road, Ibadan, while she was taking the boys to school.
The abduction sparked concerns across the state and drew national attention due to the victims’ relationship with the former minister.
Their freedom was secured through a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while several others were arrested.
Investigations conducted after the rescue reportedly identified the demolished building as one of the locations where the victims were held during their ordeal.
Government sources said the decision to pull down the structure was intended to send a strong message to criminals that Oyo State would not tolerate the use of residential or commercial properties as bases for illegal activities.
Officials maintained that anyone found aiding criminal elements, either directly or indirectly, would face the full weight of the law.
The latest action is part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime, which have become growing concerns in several parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the successful rescue operation has been widely applauded, with many residents commending security agencies for their swift intervention and urging authorities to sustain the crackdown on criminal networks operating within the state.
The incident also reignited calls for stronger intelligence gathering community vigilance and enhanced security measures to protect residents from the menace of kidnapping.
Authorities have assured residents that ongoing investigations will lead to the prosecution of all those connected with the crime, while additional measures are being put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
