Oyo Government Demolishes Building Used as Kidnappers’ Hideout After Rescue of Adelabu’s Sister, Sons

The Oyo State Government has demolished a building in Ibadan allegedly used by kidnappers to hold victims, days after security operatives rescued the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons from the property.

Officials said the demolition was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and strengthen security across the state following a successful rescue operation that attracted widespread public attention.

The demolished building was located at Lakoun, along Ayegun-Olojuoro Road in Ibadan.

The action came less than 24 hours after Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, visited the property with journalists and security personnel, revealing details of the operation that led to the victims’ rescue.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations showed that the building had been used by suspected kidnappers as a holding facility for abducted victims.

“There have been bringing abductees here. They bring them here, people see them, even people greet them welcome sometimes,” Olugbenga told journalists during the inspection.

He expressed concern that suspicious activities around the property allegedly went unreported despite its location within a residential neighbourhood.

The police chief disclosed that rescued victims informed investigators they could hear activities from neighbouring houses while in captivity, raising concerns about the level of community awareness and reporting.

Olugbenga urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and unusual activities to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in combating crime.

The victims, Busayo John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 while she was taking the children to school in Ibadan.

Their abduction sparked anxiety across Oyo State and prompted swift intervention by security agencies.

Following the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde visited the family and assured them that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe release.

The victims were eventually rescued during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

Police authorities said the operation followed days of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and tactical tracking of the suspects.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, two suspected kidnappers were killed during a confrontation with security operatives, while firearms were recovered from the scene.

Authorities added that efforts were continuing to track down and arrest other members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped during the operation.

The incident highlights the growing security concerns facing communities across Nigeria, where kidnapping has remained a major challenge despite intensified law enforcement efforts.

It also underscores the importance of community participation in crime prevention, as security officials believe early reporting of suspicious activities could help prevent criminal operations from thriving within residential areas.

The government's decision to demolish the property sends a strong message against the use of residential buildings as criminal hideouts and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety.

The demolition of the Ibadan property marks a significant development in the aftermath of the abduction and rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons.

While the victims have regained their freedom, security agencies continue their hunt for fleeing suspects as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across the state.

For residents, the incident serves as a reminder that vigilance and timely reporting remain essential tools in the fight against crime.