TheCable

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says rescue operations will continue at the site and vicinity of the explosion in Ibadan until all lives are accounted for. 

Two people were killed and several injured in an explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija axis of Ibadan on Tuesday.

Makinde had said that the explosion was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings.

Giving an update on the situation during a press briefing on Wednesday, the governor asked residents to vacate houses within 250 metres of the scene explosion until structural integrity tests are carried out on the buildings.

“Since yesterday, our security agencies, first responders, emergency services, and all other relevant agencies have been working diligently as they carry out search and rescue operations. Just this morning, another person was recovered alive from the rubble,” Makinde said.

“I want to assure you that search and rescue operations will continue until all lives within the vicinity of the blast are accounted for.

“We are aware that aside from the immediate perimeter of this incident, people as far as 25 kilometres away may have been affected physically or psychologically.

“We have, therefore, set up an emergency operations centre headed by Prof Temitope Alonge to coordinate all search and rescue efforts.

“Also, let me use this opportunity to appeal to anyone still staying in any of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until we check the structural integrity of the buildings in this area.”

The governor further said the state government has information “regarding the company that was using that residence to store explosives”.

He, however, did not name the company or anyone associated with it.

He warned those who may want to take advantage of the disaster to carry out any form of looting to steer clear noting that security agencies have been directed to deal decisively with anyone who attempts breakdown of law and order.

President Bola Tinubu has also directed concerned agencies to find out the circumstances that led to the incident and to ensure that those found culpable are punished.