President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to victims of an explosion that rocked Ibadan on Tuesday.
The explosion which took residents of the Oyo State capital by surprise left two persons dead and about 80 injured. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.
In a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu expressed sadness over the devastating explosion.
President Tinubu said those behind the explosion should be fished out and punished.
“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.
President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.
Residents, who spoke with press, said houses and cars far from the scene of the explosion were impacted by the blast wave.
“We heard a loud bang around 07:30pm. Dominos shattered, Ace Mall in Bodija destroyed,” a panic-stricken resident said.
Visiting the scene of the explosion on Tuesday, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the casualty figures to journalists.
“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor said.
Makinde said that he directed that the medical bills of all victims of the explosion be covered by the government with temporary accommodation provided for those whose houses were affected by the explosion.
