The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has expressed condolences to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in the aftermath of the explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday. Additionally, Afenifere has urged the Federal Government to intervene and assist the victims, emphasizing that the state government alone may be insufficient to handle the situation given the scale of the explosion.
The incident unfolded on Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area of the city, causing alarm among residents. The National Emergency Management Agency reported that over 20 houses were impacted by the explosion, attributing it to a suspected Improvised Explosive Device.
Afenifere’s stance was conveyed through a statement by its National Organizing Secretary, Kole Omololu, and a copy of the statement was provided to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
The statement titled, ‘Afenifere consoles Makinde, calls for FG assistance,’ read, “News of the explosion that rocked the ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday, came to us with shock and sadness.
“Lives and limbs were lost, properties were destroyed and the day-to-day activities of the people were disrupted.”
The group noted that “the number of injured persons, initially put at 77, has continued to climb while two lives were declared lost so far.”
Afenifere commiserated with the state governor, residents of the state and the families of the injured, as well as “those who have lost property, loved ones and their means of livelihood.”
The pan-Yoruba organisation called for a thorough nationwide investigation of the activities of illegal miners who were said to be responsible for the explosion, as stated by the state governor, adding that illegal miners must be made to face the law.
The group stated that illegal mining activities have been reportedly “responsible for much of the insecurity in some parts of the country.”
Afenifere noted that the revenue from mining activities should “enrich the country and Nigerians in general rather than end up in private pockets,” adding that mining activities should be organised under the law.
The statement noted that the group supports every step taken by the governor to see to its recommendations, adding, “For only then will justice be served, both to the victims and the culprits and only then can we also prevent a recurrence of the horrendous event that has led to losses valued at billions of naira.”
Afenifere assured the state residents that the Makinde-led administration is doing all within its means to assist the victims of the explosion, adding that the Federal Government should render its assistance to the state government to savour the situation due to the “magnitude of the disaster.”
