“Investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that the explosion that rocked the Bodija area of the state capital, Ibadan, on Tuesday night was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
Makinde, who said the revelation was made by the outcome of preliminary investigation of security agencies into the incident, made this known when be visited the scene of the explosion in the wee hours of Wednesday.
He added that though further investigations were still ongoing, those found culpable in the disaster that has claimed lives would be brought to book.
The explosion also affected a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, late Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele areas of the city.
However, the governor said only two persons died, as against the reported ten, while 77 others were injured.
The governor said in a tweet on X, “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.
“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Makinde added.
The governor also declared the government will pay “medical bills of victims,” while promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected will be supported to rebuild their lives.
The governor said the wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan, adding that “Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.
“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.”