Oyo Government Demolishes Shanties Over Criminal Hideout Allegations

(Gov Makinde. Photo Credit: News Express)

The Oyo State Government has demolished makeshift wooden and metal shanties in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area, following allegations that some of the structures were being used by criminal elements as hideouts and storage points for weapons.

The exercise was carried out in line with a government directive issued after a stakeholders’ meeting convened in the aftermath of violent clashes that rocked Ojoo on July 7 and 8, which claimed two lives and heightened security concerns in the area.

The decision to pull down the structures followed an assessment visit by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who led government officials and security agencies to the affected community.

During the visit, residents and other stakeholders alleged that some of the shanties had become safe havens for hoodlums involved in criminal activities, including the concealment of weapons and other illicit items.

Acting on the directive, a joint security team oversaw the demolition of the structures as part of efforts to curb criminality and restore order in the area.

The Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Akinwole Akinleye, said the exercise was part of measures aimed at preventing a recurrence of the recent violence and strengthening security within the council area.