By Nudoiba Ojen
President Bola Tinubu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Tinubu, Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu condoled with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the explosion which killed three persons, injured 77 others and as well destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.
Governor Makinde had stated that preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
* Fish out the culprits – Tinubu
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said, “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behavior that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.
President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.
The President also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.
* Monumental tragedy – Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Abiodun, who described Tuesday’s explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a monumental tragedy, regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality.
Abiodun, in a condolence message to Governor Makinde, the government and the people of the state, said, “Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time and offer our full support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts”.
Prince Abiodun, who said that that Ibadan is strategic to every Yoruba person given its historic importance, added that the governments of the South-West states would not be deterred by the tragic incident, but would “jointly intensify security across our states to ensure that our people are safe and secure.
“The quick response by Oyo State Government, no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured find strength and healing. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.”
The governor praised Oyo State government for the swift response, expressed absolute confidence that the Oyo State Government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted.
He said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.
* Sanwo-Olu assures Oyo of Lagos support
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, also extended his condolences to Governor Makinde and the people of the state over the Tuesday night explosion.
Sanwo-Olu, in a post shared on his X handle on Wednesday, assured of Lagos’ support to the people of Oyo State following the tragic incident.
He wrote, “I’m sending heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the tragic Ibadan explosion.
“My thoughts are with the families of the victims. This is a disheartening incident that calls for unity and support in these challenging times.
“Commendable efforts by Governor Makinde for the swift response and deployment of first responders in the wake of the disaster. The collaboration of agencies and rescue operations is crucial.
“The people of Lagos stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Oyo State, and we are ready to provide any support required during these times.”
There was panic in Ibadan on Tuesday night as there was an explosion in Dejo Oyelese Street, in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
* Rescue operation still ongoing – NEMA
Meanwhile, the NEMA has disclosed that “over 20 houses were affected. Casualty figures can not be ascertained for now. Search and rescue operation is still ongoing”
The explosion also affected over 20 houses, a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, among others.
