Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State received an official report on Wednesday regarding the devastating explosion that occurred in the Old Bodija area of Ibadan on January 16, resulting in five fatalities, 77 injuries, and the destruction of 58 houses.
Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and a retired Commissioner of Police, revealed to journalists that the report implicated three individuals in connection with the explosion, signaling imminent prosecution.
The comprehensive report encompasses findings from medical, security, and engineering teams commissioned by the government to investigate the incident.
Owoseni emphasized that surveillance footage from one of the affected houses captured the sequence of events leading to the explosion, attributing it to an electric spark igniting a “Water Gel Type Based Explosive.” Notably, the majority of the individuals of interest are reported to be from Mali, prompting scrutiny of their immigration status.
Addressing the media after the report presentation, Owoseni underscored the swift deployment of security forces to secure the affected area, preventing further criminal activity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Emergency Operation Centre, led by Temitope Alonge, reported that 80 victims received medical care across various hospitals, with five patients still under observation, including one with a spinal cord injury.
Mbim Okutinyang, Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, outlined the assessment conducted on 282 affected houses, determining that only four structures require demolition due to severe damage.
Governor Makinde’s administration, as Owoseni highlighted, has implemented stringent measures to regulate the handling of explosives, emphasizing the importance of timely reporting and compliance with safety protocols.
As investigations progress and recovery efforts continue, the Oyo State government remains committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of the tragic explosion in Ibadan.
