Three persons of interest have been identified and will face prosecution in connection with the January 16, 2024 explosion at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, according to the official report received by Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde. The report, which includes findings from the Medical, Security, and Engineering Teams, was presented to the governor on Tuesday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
During a press conference held following the report presentation, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd), revealed that the explosion was triggered by an electric spark and that the character of the explosive is known as "Water Gel Type Based Explosive." Additionally, Owoseni clarified that the incident occurred at Aderinola Street, not Dejo Oyelese Street as initially reported, with the epicenter at houses No. 8A and No. 8B.
Owoseni assured that the state government is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and will investigate the immigration status of all persons of interest, as a majority of them are from Mali. The government has made efforts to secure the area and prevent opportunistic crimes that often follow such incidents.
The report also included information on the losses and damages caused by the explosion. As of February 3, a total of 335 affected persons registered at the emergency situation center, including businesses, religious institutions, and schools. Houses suffered various degrees of damage, with four houses requiring demolition. The seismic report is still awaited.
The chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, Engr. Mbim Okutinyang, stated that his team assessed 282 houses and confirmed that only four would need to be demolished. The Head of the Emergency Operation Center, Prof. Temitope Alonge, reported that 80 victims were managed in hospitals, but as of the press conference, only five patients remained admitted. Most of the cases are expected to be discharged within the next week.
The governor had signed an Executive Order regarding the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in the state. Residents were reminded to share any relevant information with the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
The government also conducted tests for radioactivity at the site and confirmed that there were no abnormal radiation levels.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Name: Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Title: Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +123 456 7890
About Oyo State Government
The Oyo State Government is committed to the safety and well-being of its residents. Through various measures and initiatives, the government aims to provide a secure and prosperous environment for all. For more information, visit www.oyostategov.ng.