A resident of Ibadan, Oyo State, has alleged that the owner of a building recently demolished by the state government over its alleged use as a kidnappers’ hideout was a well-known figure in the community.
The resident, identified on Facebook as Abayomi Obabolujo, made the claim while reacting to the demolition of the property located in the Lakun area along the Ayegun-Olojuoro Road in Ibadan.
According to him, the building owner, popularly known as “Solution,” was a mechanic who operated a workshop on the same street as his factory in the Podo area of Ibadan.
He further alleged that the suspect was an active member of the local landlords’ association and served as the head of the local chapter of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).
“I learnt the house owner is one of the kidnappers. The man is a mechanic who owns a workshop on the same street where my factory is in Podo, Ibadan. He’s also a member of the landlords’ association and Head of OPC in the area. We know and call him Solution. He was the one that was shot in the process. This man still visited me in the company of two other landlords two months ago,” Obabolujo wrote.
The claims have not been independently verified by authorities, and security agencies are yet to officially confirm the identity of the building owner or any alleged role in the kidnapping operation.
The demolition followed the rescue of victims reportedly held captive in the building, including the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her children, who were allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers.
The Oyo State Government had earlier announced the demolition of the structure as part of efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
Authorities have continued investigations into the incident, while residents expressed shock over allegations that a prominent community member could be linked to such criminal activities.
