President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the deadly explosion that occurred Tuesday night in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, stated on Wednesday that the blast killed two people and injured over 80 others.
It also destroyed numerous buildings, vehicles, and other property.
“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.
Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, and he urged all relevant government authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Tinubu also asked the National Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with the Oyo State Government to provide quick and comprehensive assistance to the victims.
On Wednesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said early investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday was caused by explosive devices stockpiled by illegal miners.
The explosion, which 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, Chief Bola Ige, and some buildings in Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele, is believed to have killed ten people and hospitalized fifteen more.
Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion Tuesday night, said that while more investigations were underway, anyone found to be responsible would be charged.
“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 underway. “All those found responsible for this will be held accountable,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
