Ibadan council boss demolishes criminal hideout in Apata

Executive Chairman, Ibadan South West Local Government, 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.

According to the chairman, the criminals have been terrorising the residents for a long time by vandalising public water pipelines, stealing transformer cables, burgling houses, robbing, and other criminal acts, thereby disrupting the peace and security of the area.

ALSO READ: Oriire: Stakeholders pledge stronger collaboration for peaceful coexistence in Oyo

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.

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.

Ambassador Akande 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 get rid of every part of the council area of criminal elements.

He 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.

The Chairman of Gather Olugbode area of Odo Ona committee in Apata, Mr Adepoju Popoola who spoke on behalf of the committee narrated their ordeal with the criminals, expressed how they often robb and steal from the residents of the area from time to time and thereby 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. He also pledged continued support for the administration’s efforts to promote security, safety of lives and development across Ibadan South West Local Government.

Present at the venue were political functionaries, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju, and the Director of Works, Engr Ademola Moshood Olona, among others