Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated on Monday that he had presented the report of last Tuesday’s explosion in Ibadan to President Bola Tinubu. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, led a Federal Government delegation for an on-the-spot assessment at the blast site.
The explosion occurred around 7:30 pm, killing five people, injuring 77, and damaging about 58 houses.
The President directed the National Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.
Alake expressed shock at the devastation, emphasizing that the disaster was man-made and regrettable. He assured full disclosure of investigation reports and accountability for those found culpable.
Governor Makinde, during the visit, appreciated the Presidency’s support and promised everything possible to provide succor to victims and punish those responsible.
Makinde mentioned conducting integrity tests on approximately 230 properties around the explosion site. The tests include 13 houses within a 50-meter radius, 40 houses within a 100-meter radius, 122 houses within a 200-meter radius, and 53 houses within a 250-meter radius.
Counseling for victims has commenced, and operations at the blast site have shifted from search and rescue to recovery.
Governor Makinde thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to support Oyo State.
The security agencies are still investigating the incident, and updates on their findings will be publicized. The administration remains committed to supporting victims and ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, stated that the association did not know the miners whose explosives caused the explosion.
He blamed the incident on a lack of enforcement by regulators and agencies involved in the mining licensing process.
Ayanleke detailed the legal procedures for obtaining and using explosives in mining, emphasizing the importance of following safety regulations.
In summary, the visit by the Federal Government delegation aimed to assess the blast’s aftermath, express condolences, and assure support. Governor Makinde presented the incident report to President Tinubu and emphasized the ongoing efforts to aid victims and ensure accountability.
The Miners Association of Nigeria disclaimed knowledge of the involved miners and attributed the explosion to regulatory lapses in the mining process.
