The Executive Chairman Ibadan South West Local Government, Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protect lives and properties with the demolition of a notorious criminal hideout and den in Odo Ona, Apata area of the Local Government.
The 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 has been terrorising residents for a long time by vandalising public water pipelines, stealing electric transformer cables, bugling houses, robbing and other criminal acts, thereby disrupting the peace and security of the area.
Responding swiftly, the council boss led the intervention which resulted in the dismantling 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, during the exercise, the 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.
The local government boss, warned criminals and other perpetrators of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the Local Government will continue to collaborate with security agencies and community leaders to get rid of criminal elements in the council.
He commended the vigilance and cooperation of the Odo Ona community for prompt report 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 apprehend offenders.
The Chairman of ‘Gada’/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 robbed and steal from residents of the area on a regular basis.
Popoola, 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 during the exercise were political stakeholders, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju, director of Works Engr. Ademola Moshood Olona among others.