Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande leads joint security operation to bulldoze den used for vandalism, robbery, and theft after months of residents’ complaints and appeals.

The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Oyo State, Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties with the demolition of a notorious criminal hideout and den in Odo Ona, Apata area of the Local Government. The decisive action followed persistent complaints from residents and community leaders over the activities of suspected criminals who had turned the area into a haven for illegal operations, making life unbearable for law-abiding citizens. According to the chairman, the criminals had been terrorising residents for a long time by vandalising public water pipelines, stealing transformer cables, burgling houses, robbing, and engaging in other criminal acts that disrupted the peace and security of the area. The location had become so notorious that residents described it as “a market for illegal things and a den for evil activities,” which had made it difficult for security personnel to assess what was going on there. Community leaders disclosed that several letters and appeals had been written to the council over a period of more than six months, inviting the chairman to come to their aid. Notices of evacuation and removal were served to occupants of the hideout, but they refused to vacate, forcing the council to take decisive action. Responding swiftly to the distress call, the council boss led the intervention that resulted in the bulldozing of the hideout used by the suspected criminals for keeping stolen items and their unlawful activities. The exercise was carried out to restore peace, protect lives, properties, public infrastructure, and ensure the safety of all residents. The operation, which was conducted in collaboration with security agencies, saw heavy equipment move into the area to level the structure that had become a source of fear and insecurity for the community.

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Speaking further during the exercise, Ambassador Akande declared that criminality in any form would not be tolerated anywhere within Ibadan South West Local Government. He stressed that his administration remains committed to maintaining law and order and creating a safe environment where residents can live and carry out their daily activities without fear. He warned criminals and other perpetrators of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the local government would continue to collaborate with security agencies and community leaders to rid every part of the council area of criminal elements. “We will not allow a few misguided individuals to hold an entire community hostage. The safety of our people is non-negotiable, and we will continue to take every necessary step to ensure that Ibadan South West remains a place where residents can go about their legitimate activities without fear,” Akande stated.

The chairman commended the vigilance and cooperation of the Odo Ona community for prompt reporting of the activities of the criminals, noting that effective security is a shared responsibility between government and the people. He encouraged residents to continue to provide useful information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending offenders. “Security of lives and property remains our top priority. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Ibadan South West remains safe for everyone,” he said. The Chairman of the Gather Olugbode area of Odo Ona committee in Apata, Mr Adepoju Popoola, who spoke on behalf of the committee, narrated the community’s ordeal with the criminals, expressing how they often robbed and stole from residents from time to time. He expressed appreciation to the chairman for his swift intervention, describing the demolition of the hideout as a major step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the area. “The achievement here today is historical as community residents will sleep better,” Popoola said. He also pledged continued support for the administration’s efforts to promote security, safety of lives, and development across Ibadan South West Local Government. Also speaking, the Baale of Odo-Ona, Oloye Mojeed Gunwa Tajo, echoed the same sentiment, saying the raid had brought relief to residents who had lived in fear for months. He noted that the community had been living under constant threat, with criminals operating freely and brazenly, but the demolition had sent a strong signal that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

Present at the venue were political functionaries, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju, the Director of Works, Engr Ademola Moshood Olona, and other local government officials. Their presence underscored the council’s commitment to the operation and its determination to restore law and order in the area. The local government has reiterated its commitment to regular patrols and community engagement to prevent crime and sustain peace across all wards. Officials have also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. The council has pledged to continue working with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place within the local government area.