President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday indicated that the explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others.
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.
“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,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
