The Oyo State Government has demolished a building used as a hideout by kidnappers responsible for the abduction of the sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.
The structure was linked to the gang that abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, along the Elewura area of Ring Road, Ibadan, on June 3, while she was taking the children to school.
The state government said the demolition exercise was part of efforts to reinforce its zero-tolerance policy against criminal activities across the state.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday by officials of the Ministry of Lands and Housing in collaboration with security agencies, less than 48 hours after the victims regained their freedom.
Authorities disclosed that intelligence gathered during investigations connected the building to the criminal syndicate behind the abduction.
According to government officials, findings from the rescue operation indicated that the victims were held at the demolished property during their captivity.
The victims were rescued following a coordinated operation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reportedly led to the killing of two suspects, while several others were arrested.
The government maintained that the destruction of the building sends a strong warning to criminal elements operating within the state and demonstrates the administration’s determination to rid Oyo of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Security agencies have continued investigations into the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang believed to have escaped during the operation.
