Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said his government had taken steps to prosecute the alleged suspects of the Jan. 16, 2024, explosion at Bodija area in Ibadan.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to the Gov. Makinde.
The devastating explosion at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija Housing Estate, occurred on Jan. 16, 2024.
No fewer than five persons lost their lives and properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed by the explosion, the impact of which was felt several kilometers from the scene of the incident.
The statement quoted Makinde as saying that the suspects are facing trial for terrorism and are currently being held in prison.
The governor also disclosed that government would soon start the process of rebuilding the affected areas, as contracts have been awarded to fix all the roads in the axis.
“Similarly, we have inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area, and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, among others.
“The committee is to come up with a modality for the disbursement of the financial support the state government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion,” he said.
Makinde further assured the people of the state that his government was determined to make every part of the state safe and secure.
He called on all residents of the state to join hands with the government in securing the state.
“As a government we are doing all we can to make the state safe, this is the reason we are investing so much in security architecture.
“But for these efforts to yield the desired results, we need the cooperation of the citizens; thus we need information from the citizens,” he maintained.
According to him, the explosion could have been prevented if residents of the area had informed security operatives when the suspects were storing the explosives.
“So, to prevent recurrence of such in any part of the state, let us all take the issue of security seriously and cooperate with security operatives.
“Let’s provide necessary information that will help them in discharging their duties of securing our lives.
“We pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident and we pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen their loved ones,” the governor said.