Alake directs ministry’s mine officers to investigate Ibadan explosion

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Oladele Alake, has ordered the ministry’s mine officers to join the investigation into the cause of the explosion that occurred in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday night.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the minister said he had directed the ministry’s mine officers who were already on site in Ibadan to work and collaborate with the Oyo State Government to know the actual cause of the explosion.

He said the ministry had ordered a detailed investigation and would tighten the noose around those acquiring explosives and storing them illegally if the explosion was caused by mining explosives devices as earlier reported.

He expressed his sadness over the explosion, which he described as a “sad and tragic occurrence” that had devastating effects on lives and property.

He also offered his condolences to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

The statement read, “I am saddened by the news of explosion that occurred yesterday night in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“The tragic incident had  devastating effects on lives and property.

“I offer my condolences over lost lives on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to Governor Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State. I also extend my sympathy to the wounded and other victims who suffered one loss or the other, especially residents whose house were destroyed. I pray the Almighty God to comfort the families of the deceased and grant succour to those who lost valuables as they begin to rebuild.

“Oyo State Government and Emergency Response Agencies of both the state and federal governments have promised to help victims to recover as much as possible.

“In the interim, I have directed the ministry’s mine officers who are already on site in Ibadan to join ongoing investigations to find out the immediate and remote cause of the explosion. We have ordered detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause.

“If the explosion was caused by mining explosives devices as earlier reported the ministry will double its effort to tighten the noose around those acquiring explosives and storing them illegally.

“I commend Governor Seyi Makinde for the rapid mobilisation of emergency response efforts, including the deployment of fire service, police and other security agencies.
“I urge members of the public to always be safety conscious and report persons or organisations endangering public health and security.”