As anxiety grows over the explosion that rocked a part of Ibadan on Tuesday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has given details of the tragedy.
This is as he released a number (615) to call in case of emergency.
Makinde, on Wednesday, visited the scene in Bodija and said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
Some reports said up to 10 people had lost their lives with many hospitalised but the governor gave the casualty figure as two.
He said, “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book,” he tweeted on Wednesday
One of our correspondents, who was at the scene of the explosion, reported that no fewer than 10 bodies were recovered from the site and taken away in ambulances.
But the governor said two people died while 77 others were injured in the explosion
“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,” Makinde added.
The governor also revealed that the “medical bills of victims will be picked by the government” while promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected were ‘supported to rebuild their lives”
The governor urged residents to be calm, noting that rescue operations had already started at the scene of the incident.
“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.
“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.
“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference,” he added.
