The House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has demanded a probe into the explosion that rocks the Ibadan metropolis on Tuesday night.
Akande-Sadipe in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Lekan Olusada, and made available to PUNCH Online, also called for the arrest of the suspected miners who allegedly kept explosives in the area.
PUNCH Online reports that a massive explosion in Ibadan city on Tuesday left no fewer than 10 persons feared dead, several others injured, and many properties destroyed. The blast, which was reportedly caused by illegal mining activities, sparked outrage and grief among the residents and the authorities.
She said, “How could such explosives be stored in a residential neighbourhood? Understanding the root causes is deemed essential to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities”.
“In these trying times, let us unite in grief, support one another, and extend a helping hand to those in need. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this painful loss.
“I am urging relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the explosion and immediately arrest those responsible.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in 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 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.
Also, The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion that rocked the Bodija Area of Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
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.
