The Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu has enjoined the state government to conduct intensive test on the victims of Bodija explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
The Power Minister stated on Friday during his visit the site of the explosion at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija axis of Ibadan, in which five persons have been confirmed dead, with 77 people said to be injured in the blast.
The Minister condoles with the victims of the explosion while he urged the surviving residents to go for intensive medical test saying because if explosion could happen there and cracks could be seen about 10 to 15 miles away, it shows the negative effects it might have on residents closed to the epicentre of the explosion.
He said: “Government should give people close to the site of the explosion, opportunity for a further health check. The effects of the blast may not be seen now on the affected residents closed by until nearest future.
“Oyo State Government has performed excellently well with help from NEMA and others. Both state and federal government including well meaning Nigerians and NGOs must find permanent succour by providing relief materials to people displaced and others to reduce their hardships and sufferings.
“When you see something; say something to forestall incidents like this. And also follow up in watching what your neighbours are doing.
“The transformers and other electricity infrastructures have been destroyed by the explosion and this is where I will help by getting in touch with IBEDC to ensure the repair and I will personally supervise it”, Adelabu stated.
Also speaking, Professor Temitope Alonge , the head of emergency operations centre for the evacuation and rescue of victims involved in blast disclosed that people from 600 meters away from the explosion have come to register at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for proper health check.
“The Nigerian Society of Engineers will submit their reports on Tuesday after doing structural integrity test on affected buildings about 500 meters from the epicentre of the explosion”, Alonge stated.
Alonge therefore appealed to affected residents to come forward in case they are having symptoms they can’t explain in their bodies.
