Oyo State government has opened temporary accommodation for those displaced as a result of the explosion, saying it will also finance the hospital bills of those injured.
The commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that several victims have started registering at the hub and were being put through by emergency and disaster experts.
Oyelade added that the state government has set up an Emergency Situation Hub to collate and co-ordinate management of victims affected by the explosion that rocked Ibadan last night.
He said anyone who is affected can go to the premises of the Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan.
The commissioner, who said the situation hub was headed by the deputy governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, also advised victims to submit verifiable evidence of their losses and seek clarifications on the nature of government intervention.
He said as investigation continues by the security men, the state government is narrowing down on the possible cause of the explosion.
The commissioner said as a result of new evidence, the government was interrogating certain leads that suggest storage of explosives by illegal miners residing in the area.
During his visit to the scene last night, Governor Seyi Makinde implored residents of Oyo State to be more sensitive to activities in their environment.
“If you see something, say something”, the governor emphasised.
Oyelade said the explosion affected some structures of ministries, departments and agencies at the state’s secretariat.
He said the impact of the explosion was felt about 15 km apart.
Meanwhile, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has activated a trauma response team, saying it is on alert to provide healthcare support for the victims of the explosion.
The institution’s public relations officer, Funmi Adetuyibi said this indicated that in the aftermath of a devastating explosion that rocked Ibadan and its environs around 7.44 pm yesterday, the UCH mobilised its resources to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the victims of the unfortunate incident.
