The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to owners of abandoned structures and buildings that pose security threats and serve as hideouts for criminals within the state.
Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey, and Urban Development, William Akin-Funmilayo, delivered this message during an inspection of De Castle Inn on Queen Elizabeth II Road, Total Garden-Gate Road in Ibadan, the state capital.
Expressing concern over the alarming rate at which miscreants and hoodlums utilize abandoned buildings as their base of operations, Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that owners who fail to take appropriate action would risk forfeiture to the state.
“We received reports from the public and security agencies regarding the security risks posed by this abandoned building. It has been observed that criminals and hoodlums often use such structures as hideouts, engaging in activities such as theft and drug trafficking,” stated Akin-Funmilayo.
He further elaborated, “Our inspection confirms that this building has been abandoned for over a decade. The government is determined to ensure the safety of residents in this area. Therefore, immediate action is required from the owner to either utilize the building or face forfeiture.”
Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that official correspondence would be sent to the owner, and failure to comply would result in the government taking over the property for the greater good of the community.
“I extend this message to all owners of abandoned properties in the state: either put them to their intended use or risk government intervention. We cannot afford to have buildings left unoccupied or neglected,” he concluded.
