As part of efforts to address insecurity in the society, the Oyo State Housing Corporation, on Friday, embarked on a fact-finding mission to the Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, advising those yet to develop their allotted lands in the estate to do so, in order to avoid losing them.
This is as a result of an outcry by residents over constant attacks by men of the underworld, using the area as a hideout.
Reports explained that the people of the estate had earlier notified the Corporation, lamenting that the massive forest in the estate had become a criminal hideout, stating that they could not sleep with their two eyes closed.
Speaking during the inspection, chairman of the Corporation, Demola Omotosho, pointed out that only about 20 per cent of the estate, inaugurated almost 50 years ago, had been developed, noting that the visit to the estate alongside the newsmen became imperative, following protests from residents, who reported cases of burglary, rape, and violent attacks.
Omotosho said a 76-year-old man, who was brutally attacked in the area, triggered the latest round of protests from residents, adding that almost 1,000 hectares of undeveloped lands still exist in the estate.
Omotosho maintained that the state government had called for a Public-Private Partnership to transform the Owode Phase II into a residential district, in order to curb insecurity in the axis.
Assuring residents that significant development would take place between now and June 2026, the former council boss disclosed that the Corporation would put up a Police Post, an Amotekun security base and also install solar-powered streetlights across the estate.
He added that similar interventions are underway in Ajoda New Town, where the first batch of 1,000 housing units are expected to be completed and delivered by next year June.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the likelihood of an outcry from allottees, Omotosho noted that many allottees have held the lands for decades without developing them, despite the laws of the Housing Corporation indicating that any plot that is not developed to a habitable level within two to three years would be revoked by the government.
Omotosho stated that the failure to develop the allotted plots had resulted in a grave danger for residents of the estate, with incessant attacks on residents including armed robbery, rape and other crimes perpetuated by criminals, who are using the thick bushes, with a larger part becoming hideouts.
Some of the residents, who spoke with newsmen, expressed hope that the inspection and promises made by the Oyo State Housing Corporation would mark the beginning of meaningful action to secure and fully develop the estate.