Tragic Explosion in Ibadan Claims More Lives as Governor Makinde Reveals Foreign Links

A tragic explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, has led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and injuries. Among the victims were individuals, including a UK returnee, who lost their lives, while houses were reduced to rubble, and vehicles were destroyed.

Governor Seyi Makinde swiftly ordered hospitals to treat the injured and hotels to accommodate those displaced by the incident. Initially attributing the explosion to illegal miners, Governor Makinde later revealed that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate of a mining company involved in the blast listed some foreign names as owners.

The death toll from the explosion has risen to three, with one more victim succumbing to injuries in a hospital. Governor Makinde also stated that the state had identified a person of interest related to the incident, whom security agencies should invite for questioning.

While 60 out of the 77 people hospitalized have been discharged, efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of all individuals affected by the blast. Governor Makinde clarified that the explosion was not linked to banditry or insurgency but rather to illegal miners storing explosives in a residential area.

In response to the tragedy, Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, called on Governor Makinde and security agencies to unveil the identities of the illegal miners responsible for the explosion. Sowore raised questions about the type of minerals being mined in the area and the procedures involved in using explosives. He also sought clarity on whether the state government was aware of mining activities in the residential area and urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide a preliminary report on the incident.

Daily Trust