By Adesakin Adefemi
The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in Lako Community, Aiyegun-Anaye Road area of Ibadan, allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers who abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her twin children.
Officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation carried out the demolition on Monday. Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force were on ground to secure the area and maintain order as the structure was brought down.
The exercise forms part of the state’s intensified crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes. Authorities said the action is intended to dismantle infrastructure that enables criminal networks to operate within Oyo.
The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped at Elewura, Challenge area of Ibadan on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Their abduction drew public attention due to the minors involved and the family’s connection to Chief Adelabu.
Security sources said the demolished property was identified during ongoing investigations as one of the locations where the victims were held. The bungalow was reportedly used to conceal captives while ransom negotiations were underway.
The state government described the demolition as a demonstration of its zero-tolerance policy toward kidnapping. Officials said the move is both punitive and preventive, aimed at denying kidnappers safe havens across the state.
Police operatives supervised the exercise to ensure due process and to prevent breakdown of law and order. Residents watched as the building was pulled down, with security agencies reiterating warnings against harbouring criminal elements.
The Adelabu family case has prompted security agencies to intensify operations across Ibadan and surrounding communities. Efforts are focused on tracking down members of the kidnap syndicate and rescuing other victims.
Officials said investigations remain ongoing and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies. The government reaffirmed its commitment to rid Oyo of criminal hideouts and to ensure justice for the victims.
