Makeshift Shops Take over Residential areas in Oyo

Owners of various categories of shops-make shift and steel containers inclusive-now constitute the majority population in most communities in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Most of these petty traders, who trade generally in second-hand and perishable items, are not residents of these communities and have become security threats. Indeed, a sizable number of them-tradesmen, artisans, market men and women-were empowered by politically exposed personalities who hold public offices. The personalitites who are desperate to remain in public offices, covertly support the criminal activities of these shop owners Not surprisingly, the crime rate in these communities, which include Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, IMG Ibuko(the primary school is a den for criminals), Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout Camp, Felele, among others-has been on upsurge in recent times. However, of worry is the continued threats to kill being issued by the shop owners, criminally minded residents, their children and wards.