The Oyo State Government has begun the demolition of an abandoned structure formerly used as a hotel in Ibadan, the state capital.
The building, known as De Castle Inn, is located at Total Garden Area along the busy Mokola–Agodi Gate Road.
The structure reportedly had been abandoned by its owner for several years.
The state government had earlier warned owners of abandoned structures to put them to use.
The government claimed that such abandoned buildings were being used as hideouts for criminals to perpetrate evil acts.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr William Akin-Funmilayo, made these assertions on behalf of the state government.
In a statement issued in February this year, Akin-Funmilayo said that the government would take over any abandoned structures posing a threat to the public.
The Oyo State government commenced the demolition of the structure at the weekend.
Property within the premises had been removed a few days ago.
Security agents have also been deployed to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The bulldozer and other machinery being used for the demolition were still pulling down the structure as at the time of filing this report.
