By Mosope Kehinde
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin has led a delegation of the House to the scene of Tuesday’s explosion at the Adeyi area of old Bodija in Ibadan.
The Speaker and the other Lawmakers were conducted around the scene of the devastating explosion by officials of both the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and that of the State Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.
Ogundoyin said the visit was to assess the extent of the explosion and to get further briefs on the possible cause of the blast.
“We are here for an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of Tuesday’s explosion. As lawmakers, we are saddened by the incident and we will like to express our condolences to those affected by the explosion.”
He said the Oyo State House of Assembly would collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the implementation of necessary laws that will promote the safety of the environment.
The Speaker used the medium to appeal to the Federal Government and its emergency response agencies to come to the aid of the victims of the blast.
“Buildings have been reduced to rubbles, properties were lost to the explosion. Our people have lost their loved ones. The victims need all the support we can give them at this trying time. I want to call on the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu to come to the aid of the victims and their families. The extent and level of damage cannot be quantified.”
The Speaker and his team paid a condolence visit to the former deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bar. Iyiola Oladokun and Comforter Olajide (member representing Ibadan North 1 Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly) whose houses and properties were damaged by the explosion.
“Our heartfelt sympathies to Chief Iyiola Oladokun and Mrs Comforter Olajide for the losses. As you count your losses we take solace in the fact that you and your loved ones are still alive. May the Lord heal the wound and bless you in manifolds ” Oyo Speaker prayed
Meanwhile, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake has directed Mine Officers to join the ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion that rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Tuesday evening.
There are reports that mining explosives illegally stored in a building might be the cause of the incident.
The Minister in a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday said “…I have directed the ministry’s mine officers who are already on site in Ibadan to join ongoing investigations to find out the immediate and remote cause of the explosion. We have ordered a detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause.”
Expressing sadness of the tragic incident, Dr said “If the explosion was caused by mining explosives devices as earlier reported, the ministry will double its effort to tighten the noose around those acquiring explosives and storing them illegally.”
The Minister on behalf of the Ministry offered condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State over lost lives. He also extended his sympathy to the wounded and other victims who suffered one loss or the other, especially residents whose houses were destroyed.
Dr Alake commended Governor Makinde for the rapid mobilisation of emergency response efforts, including the deployment of fire service, police and other security agencies.
He equally urged members of the public to always be safety conscious and report persons or organisations endangering public health and security
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