The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has expressed his deepest sympathies to families and friends who lost their loved ones in the tragic explosion that occured in Ibadan on Tuesday night.
The Speaker in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Oyetunji Oyekunle described the incident as devastating and unfortunate.
The explosion which occured at Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija reportedly affected a section of the Governor’s office, Secretariat Ibadan, Oyo State House of Assembly, some residential buildings at Bodija, Sango, Eleyele, Bashorun, Olohun Eru, Apete among others.
The Speaker said the number of those who died and wounded in the explosion had thrown many families into mourning.
The statement reads, “This is rather unfortunate and sad. Lives were lost and the casualty level as we speak is about 80. My heart is heavy with sorrow. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies. No words can adequately express the sadness felt when a tragedy like this occurs. My heart reaches out to all the families and friends who lost their loved ones in this tragic explosion. May the Lord heal the injured, give the dead eternal rest and comfort those who are mourning.”
“The deafening blast shook many buildings. Our own building in the Oyo State House of Assembly was also affected. Ceilings, windows, glasses and doors were shattered by the explosion.”
Hon. Ogundoyin warned residents against storing of explosives in residential areas.
The Speaker who commended the swift response of Oyo State Government tasked security agents to bring those culpable to book.
“We learnt that the incident was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in residential areas. This is not a good development. A few individuals should not put the lives of thousands of residents on the line because of their own personal gains. This should be thoroughly investigated to serve as a deterrent to others.We should all be safely conscious.” Oyo Speaker said