Amid the deaths and devastating effects of the explosion which rocked part of Ibadan, Oyo State capital wreaked on the state, the state Governor Seyi Makinde has ruled out a ban on mining activities.
The governor who gave an update on the incident attributed the blast to illegal miners storing explosives in a Bodija building, causing damage across Bodija, Agbowo, Eleyele, and Orogun.
Makinde emphasized his commitment to responsible mining, rejecting calls for a blanket ban. “We recognize the concerns arising from this tragedy,” he said, “but a responsible mining sector can co-exist with public safety.
“Our focus is on cracking down on illegal activities and implementing stricter regulations to ensure responsible mining practices.
The governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prompt support in response to the disaster, saying, “The President’s swift offer of assistance demonstrates his commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians.
“We are collaborating closely with the federal government to provide relief to affected residents and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.”
Meanwhile, Oyo State government has picked holes in the insinuations over involvement of Boko Haram insurgency in the Tuesday night explosion which occurred in Ibadan, the state capital.
Speaking on the security angle, the Special Adviser on Security to the governor, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), said the area of the incident had been secured to ensure that hoodlums do not perpetrate crimes.
He, however, corrected misgivings and misinformation on the incident, saying: “We want to use this opportunity to correct misgivings. People have come out to say that Boko Haram elements have been allowed to invade Oyo State, especially Ibadan. This is incorrect.
“Some people have also said a helicopter flew over the place and dropped the bomb. That is, in its entirety, incorrect too. People have said construction sites around that place had used dynamite, and in the course of that, the incident happened. Let me say it is also not correct.’’
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