In the aftermath of the tragic Ibadan explosion, the Federal Government has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the incident face the full force of the law.
During an on-the-spot assessment in Ibadan, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake who led the Federal Government delegation, expressed shock at the scale of devastation and emphasised the man-made and regrettable nature of the disaster.
The minister was briefed by the head of the state’s disaster management team, Prof. Tope Alonge, on the state government’s swift response efforts, highlighting the collaborative efforts of first responders and security agencies that minimized the devastation and reduced casualties.
Addressing the issue of property protection post-blast, the special adviser to the governor on security, Fatai Owoseni, revealed that inter-agency collaboration and logistical support from the state government prevented looting of victims’ properties, maintaining security at the site.
During a visit to injured victims at the University College Hospital (UCH), the minister conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s deepest sympathies and assured that the Federal Government would provide all necessary support for the victims to return to normal lives. He stated, “I am here to convey Mr. President’s deepest sympathies to you and to assure you that the administration stands shoulder to shoulder with you in your efforts to get back to your normal lives and attain full recovery. Be rest assured that succour that will ameliorate the impact of the tragic incident is underway.”
Emphasising the need for safety awareness, Alake urged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent future incidents. Concluding his visit with a courtesy call to Gov. Seyi Makinde, Alake commended the state’s swift and efficient emergency response system, assuring that the federal government would make a definite pronouncement after receiving the report of the ongoing forensic investigations. He asserted, “Let me assure the people of Oyo State that there will be full disclosure of the report of investigations, and those found culpable will be made to face justice, while mechanisms will be put in place to prevent a recurrence”.
