The FCT Police Command, on Wednesday, reacted to reports of an explosion in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory, which some residents attributed to a bomb.
The FCT police command, in a statement by SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s Public Relations Officer, said the incident resulted from an overheated metal refuse bin.
“The FCT Police Command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on 24/01/2024 at about 1145 hrs, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja.”
“A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was deployed to assess the situation, and preliminary findings indicate that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.
“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins. Instead, we recommend the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers,” the statement said.
There has been a case of an explosion in the country in recent times.
The Informant247 had earlier reported how casualties were recorded following an explosion that occurred on Tuesday last week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a visit to the explosion scene, said 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 blast.
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.
Ibadan explosion: Illegal miners to be dealt with – Tinubu vows
Following the unfortunate incident caused by the explosives of the illegal miners, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, January 17, vowed to arrest the perpetrators of the illegal miners in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the devastating explosion, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State while calling on all concerned government agencies to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.
President Tinubu directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.