The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, on behalf of the Federal Government, has affirmed its dedication to thoroughly investigate the explosion that occurred in Ibadan last week.
The explosion in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, Ibadan last Tuesday led to the unfortunate loss of five lives. Additionally, over 77 residents sustained injuries, and around 58 houses were severely damaged.
Preliminary findings, according to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, suggest that the explosion was caused by explosives stored in a house by illegal miners.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized in a statement on Sunday, through his Special Assistant on media, Segun Tomori, that the Federal Government is resolute in uncovering the actual cause of the explosion to ascertain the next steps.
‘The Federal Government is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives and property.’
‘The ministry also deployed Mine Inspectorate officers to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies to unravel the cause of the explosion.’
‘The honourable minister believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations. That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence,’ the statement said.
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West lauded Governor Makinde’s quick response to the Ibadan incident on Sunday, emphasizing that citizens should heed the wake-up call to enhance security consciousness.
The PDP South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, in a statement on Sunday, said, ‘We (PDP) have confidence in the capacity of Governor Makinde and the security authorities for a comprehensive investigation that would bring the perpetrators to book and as well prevent possible reoccurrence in the state.’
‘While we identify and sympathise with the victims at this critical moment of their lives, and pray for the repose of the lost souls, we also hope the public would see the incident as an eye-opener to be more security conscious and report any activity that is capable of causing a security breach.’
‘As a party, we commiserate with the good people of Oyo State over the deadly explosion that rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital city of the state on Tuesday where lives and properties were lost. It was unfortunate.’