ASHENEWS reports that the Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde has said that illegal miners may be responsible for Tuesday night’s explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Makinde stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting the area on Tuesday 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 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“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,” a tweet he posted on his X handle said.
According to the governor, the explosion had claimed two lives and left 77 others injured.
He noted that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government.
He added that the state government will provide temporary accommodation for those whose houses were destroyed during the blast.
He assured that the state government was working with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to book.
This online platform reports that the explosion affected a part of the Governor’s Office, the Secretariat, and the Oyo State House of Assembly among other places.
