Oyo Government Demolishes Building Allegedly Used as an Arms Depot in Ibadan

By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Government demolished a building in Ibadan that was allegedly used as a storage facility for arms and ammunition by suspected criminal elements. The action was taken to strengthen security and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The demolition, carried out on Tuesday under the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde, followed intelligence reports and extensive investigations by security agencies that linked the property to the concealment of weapons believed to have been used in various criminal activities.

During the exercise, the Commissioner for Public Works, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the action became necessary after security operatives uncovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition at the premises.

According to the commissioner, the discovery was part of ongoing efforts by the state government and security agencies to curb rising security threats and disrupt criminal operations across Oyo State.

He noted that the state had recently witnessed a number of kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren and a separate high‑profile case involving a relative of a former federal minister.

Subsequent investigations, he explained, led security agencies to several suspected criminal hideouts and properties allegedly connected to kidnappers and other violent offenders.

“Shortly after previous security operations, this location was identified as a major storage point for arms and ammunition, including sophisticated weapons,”

“Following comprehensive investigations by the police and the submission of a detailed report by the Commissioner of Police to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde approved the demolition of the property,” Mogbonjubola stated.

He stressed that the operation was intended to serve as a clear warning to individuals and groups involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of violent crime.

“This action underscores the Oyo State Government’s zero‑tolerance stance on criminality. Anyone who uses property to facilitate criminal activities should be aware that there will be serious consequences,” he added.

While declining to reveal the exact nature and quantity of the weapons recovered for security reasons, the commissioner maintained that a significant stockpile of arms and ammunition was discovered at the site.

He further disclosed that all necessary legal and administrative procedures were observed before the demolition was carried out, noting that the Ministry of Justice was duly informed following the governor’s approval.

Addressing questions from journalists, Mogbonjubola clarified that the demolished structure was unrelated to a property previously linked to the kidnapping of the younger sister of a former minister, explaining that the latest case concerned a separate operation involving the storage of illegal weapons.

The government also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.

“If you see something, say something. Landlords, property owners and estate agents must exercise due diligence by properly verifying the identities and activities of prospective tenants before leasing their properties,” he urged.

The demolition marks the latest measure introduced by the Makinde administration as part of its broader strategy to combat criminality and enhance public safety throughout Oyo State.

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