Tinubu: Those Responsible For Ibadan Explosion Must Be Punished

The terrible explosion that took place in the capital of Oyo State, Ibadan, on Tuesday night has moved President Bola Tinubu to tears.

According to a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity, the explosion left two people dead and roughly 80 injured.

It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.

“It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners.

“Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.

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.

The President further directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.

No fewer than 10 persons were feared killed and 15 others hospitalised following the explosion that 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, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.

Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion Tuesday night, said though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to book.

“The explosion was caused by explosive devices that illegal miners who were occupying a house in Bodija had stored there, according to preliminary investigations conducted by the security agencies.

The inquiries are still being conducted. “Everyone found responsible for this will face consequences,” he tweeted on Wednesday.