Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake, has directed the ministry’s mine officer in Oyo State to join in the ongoing investigation over the explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday.
The explosion left no fewer than two persons dead and over 77 persons injured.
Preliminary investigations were said to have revealed that the explosion resulted from explosive devices stored by illegal miners in Bodija area of Oyo State.
Said the minister in a statement he signed: “In the interim, 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 detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause.”
Alake added: “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.”
While commiserating with the governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state, Alake prayed that God should comfort the families of the deceased and grant succour to those who lost valuables.
His statement reads in full: “I am saddened by the news of explosion that occurred yesterday night in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The tragic incident had devastating effects on lives and property.
“I offer my condolences over lost lives on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to Governor Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State. I also extend my sympathy to the wounded and other victims who suffered one loss or the other, especially residents whose house were destroyed. I pray the Almighty God to comfort the families of the deceased and grant succour to those who lost valuables as they begin to rebuild.
“Oyo State Government and Emergency Response Agencies of both the state and federal governments have promised to help victims to recover as much as possible.
“In the interim, 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 detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause.
“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.
“I commend Governor Seyi Makinde for the rapid mobilisation of emergency response efforts, including the deployment of fire service, police and other security agencies.
“I urge members of the public to always be safety conscious and report persons or organisations endangering public health and security.”
