The Oyo State Government has set up an Emergency Situation Hub to collate and co-ordinate management of victims affected by the explosion that rocked Ibadan last night.
Just as Mogaji Joseph Tegbe commended the state government for immediate response and provision of immediate succour to the injured and displaced, and a pledge to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
The government a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday, anyone who is affected can go to the premises of the Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan.
The Commissioner, who said the situation hub is headed by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, also advised victims to submit verifiable evidences of their losses and seek clarifications on the nature of government intervention.
The statement said that temporary accommodation has been organised by the government for those displaced as a result of the explosion, while the state government will also finance the hospital bills of those injured.
The commissioner confirmed that several victims have started registering at the hub, and are being put through by emergency and disaster experts.
As the investigation continues by the security men, the state government is narrowing down on the possible cause of the explosion.
The commissioner said that as a result of new evidences, government is interrogating certain leads that suggest storage of explosives by illegal miners residing in the area.
During his visit to the scene last night, Governor Seyi Makinde implored residents of Oyo State to be more sensitive to the goings-on in their environment.
“If you see something, say something”, the Governor emphasized.
Prince Oyelade said the explosion affected some structures of Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the State Secretariat.
He said the impact and venom of the explosion was felt about 15 km apart.
Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde last month deployed massive military land, Air and Intelligence to the Oyo National Park to flush out illegal miners and other criminals.
The Commissioner said residents can call the situation room on 615, or 09040899710 (for sms, Whatsapp and pictorial evidences)
Mogaji Tegbe in a statement made available to journalist in Ibadan said
‘I received with shock, the news of the explosion which occurred at Dejo Oyelese street, Old Bódìjà, with widespread impact across Bódìjà and environs. This unfortunate occurrence has led to avoidable loss of lives, leaving many injured and displaced.”
“The immediate response of the Governor is noteworthy and very commendable, haven provided immediate succour to the injured and displaced, and a pledge to assist them in rebuilding their lives. I equally commend the first responders, rescue workers and volunteers as well as the medical personnel who have worked round the clock to mitigate the effect of this sad incident.”
“I call on the security agencies to do a thorough investigation of the immediate and remote causes of the incident, to avoid a reoccurrence anywhere in our dear state.”
“In this moment of grief, I pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, as well as quick recovery for the injured. May the Lord comfort and strengthen every family affected by this distressful occurrence.”
