TheCable

The federal government says those found culpable for the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, will face the full wrath of the law.

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, spoke while visiting the scene of the blast for an assessment, according to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media.

On the night of January 16, a blast rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija axis of Ibadan.

So far, five persons have been confirmed dead, while 77 people were said to be injured from the blast.

According to the statement, Alake, who led the federal government delegation, expressed shock at the scale of devastation and unfortunate loss of lives.

He said the disaster was man-made and regrettable, and pledged that help would be made available to victims.

“I am here to convey Mr. President’s deepest sympathies to you and to assure you that the administration stands shoulder to shoulder with you in your efforts to get back to your normal lives and attain full recovery,” Alake said while visiting injured victims at the University College Hospital (UCH).

“Be assured that succour that will ameliorate the impact of the tragic incident is underway.”

Tope Alonge, head of the state’s disaster management team, said the swift response of first responders and security agencies minimised the scale of devastation and casualties.

Also recounting efforts to protect properties in the aftermath of the blast, Fatai Owoseni, special adviser to the governor on security, said inter-agency collaboration, coupled with logistics support from the state government, prevented looting of properties and preserved safety of the scene.

Rounding off his visit with a courtesy call to Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, Alake added that the government would act on the findings of the report presented over the weekend.

“Let me assure the people of Oyo State that there will be full disclosure of the report of investigations and those found culpable will be made to face justice whilst mechanisms will be put in place to prevent a recurrence,” Alake said.

The minister also urged residents to be sensitive to suspicious happenings in their neighbourhoods, and to report same to security agencies, to avert a recurrence.