The Oyo State Government has commenced a statewide demolition of shanties and illegal structures, starting with St. Gabriel’s Secondary Commercial School in the Sabo-Jembewon area of Ibadan.
According to The PUNCH, the exercise, which began on Thursday, was led by the Chairperson of the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd), with support from a combined team of security operatives from Operation Burst, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Amotekun.
Justice Aderemi emphasized that the demolition was in full compliance with the Executive Order issued in 2023 by Governor Seyi Makinde.
“There is no going back. This is a lawful action to restore order and safety. The Executive Order must be obeyed to the letter,” she declared while addressing journalists.
She added that sufficient notice had been issued to the affected occupants before the commencement of the demolition, stressing that the structures in question posed serious threats to public safety, especially to the students of the school adjacent to the shanties.
“These shanties had become hideouts for criminals and were impeding educational development. They also serve as shops that stock dangerous substances and enable social vices,” she said.
A representative from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Omololu Babatola, echoed these concerns, stating, “The situation at Sabo-Jembewon has long been a stumbling block to learning. This action is necessary to secure a safe academic environment.”
The government has warned that similar actions will be carried out across the state in accordance with the law and with a focus on ensuring public order and safety.