Oyo State plans to pursue legal action against three individuals detained in connection with the Ibadan explosion.

 

Kk State Governor, Seyi Makinde, received an official report on the explosion that occurred in the Old Bodija area of Ibadan on January 16. The explosion resulted in the loss of five lives, injuries to 77 individuals, and the destruction of 58 houses.

The report, disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Fatai Owoseni, a retired Commissioner of Police, stated that three individuals have been linked to the explosion and will face prosecution.

The report encompasses findings from medical, security, and engineering teams established by the government. 

Owoseni addressed the media following the report's presentation, stating that three individuals connected to the incident have been identified and will be prosecuted based on the investigation conducted.

Owoseni mentioned that footage from a Closed Circuit Television in one of the affected houses captured the incident, revealing that the explosive, a 'Water Gel Type Based Explosive,' was triggered by an electric spark.

 The government plans to verify the immigration status of individuals involved, as many are from Mali. The incident occurred on Aderinola Street, not Dejo Oyelese Street as previously reported, with the epicenter at No. 8A and No. 8B.

He also highlighted the swift deployment of security to the area, ensuring the environment's security and preventing opportunistic crimes.

 An emergency situation center was established by the governor at the state Housing Corporation premises in Ibadan, which has been collating data on the incident, including house census, fatalities, and losses suffered.

"As of 6 pm on Friday, February 3, the 18th day since the incident occurred, a total of 335 affected individuals registered at the emergency situation center. 

This included 16 companies or business operators, churches, mosques, three schools, and the University College Hospital, all reporting their losses.

"The reported losses encompass fatalities, various degrees of injuries, damages ranging from total collapse and submerging of houses to collateral damage and minimal damages."

Owoseni mentioned that the governor signed an Executive Order last week, imposing obligations on individuals dealing with explosives or conducting businesses involving explosives to report within 72 hours. 

However, he noted that no one came forward within the stipulated time. The second phase now requires anyone possessing harmful substances to declare to the Office of the Special Adviser of Security to the governor within 24 hours.

Mbim Okutinyang, Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers and lead coordinator of the team assessing structural integrity, reported that out of the 282 houses inspected, only four needed demolition due to the extent of damage. The seismic report is still pending.

Temitope Alonge, Head of the Emergency Operation Center, stated that a total of 80 victims were managed across various hospitals following the incident, with only five patients still admitted at the time of the press conference. 

Four of them were undergoing treatment at the University College Hospital and were at various stages of recovery, while one patient was receiving care for a spinal cord injury at the Redeemers Hospital.