The Oyo State Government has begun the demolition of an abandoned structure formerly used as a hotel in Ibadan, the state capital.

Waploaded gathered that 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.