No fewer than three persons responsible for the Bodija blast have been identified, the Oyo State Government has said.
The Informant247 reports that Seyi Makinde-led Oyo State Government, on Monday, directed all the 33 local government chairmen in the state, as well as traditional rulers and chiefs, to flush out illegal miners, bandits and land grabbers in their respective council areas.
Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, while disclosing this on Wednesday, said three persons of interest had been identified in connection with the incident, adding that the identified persons will face prosecution based on the investigation carried out.
Speaking further, Owoseni insisted that the explosion happened at Aderinola Street and not Dejo Oyelese Street while maintaining that the epicentre of the tragedy is No. 8A and No. 8B.
Owoseni also revealed that the character of the explosive is known as a ‘Water Gel Type Based Explosive’ and that an electric spark triggered the explosion.
He explained further that a Closed Circuit Television in one affected house gave footage of the incident.
Giving an update on the incident, he said, “We have been able to report that the swiftness with which security was deployed to the epicentre had so far successfully made the state to secure the environment fully. And with the security that was provided, the state has also been able to prevent untoward happenings, especially opportunistic crimes that hoodlums always take advantage of such situations to carry out.
“The EOC has so far collated information, data of things that happened there, and some of the data collated include a census of the respective houses and the fatalities that were affected, including the extent of losses suffered.
“As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 3rd of February, which was the 18th day of the incident, a total of 335 affected persons registered at the emergency situation centre, including 16 companies or business operators, churches, mosques, three schools and the UCH also approached the centre to report on their losses”.
Back story:
The Informant247 reports that an explosion rocked Adeyi Avenue at Old Bodija in Ibadan on Tuesday, January 16, killing five people and injuring 77 others while 55 houses were damaged, the incident which the governor attributed to the activities of an alleged illegal miner who he said stored explosives at home.
The story so far
The Informant247 reports that the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed the death of no fewer than two people, while 77 others were injured on Tuesday night in the explosion that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Makinde confirmed this during his visit to the explosion scene, adding that the blast occurred at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija. However, it was heard and felt in many parts of the city.
Governor Makinde also confirmed that the preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that the blast was caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija, adding that he had directed medical bills of all victims of the explosion be covered by the government with a temporary accommodation provided for those whose houses were affected by the explosion.
He said, ‘‘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.”
‘‘We visited the scene of the explosion, which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024, in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties,” Mr Makinde said late on Tuesday. “We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.
‘‘Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. 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.
‘‘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.
‘‘I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”
The Oyo governor urged residents to “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.”
‘‘We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” he said.
Many houses were damaged in the explosion, several kilometres from where the blast occurred.