Makinde receives committee report on Ibadan explosion
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, received the report of the Committee on the Management and Disbursement of the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, assuring that the recommendations would be reviewed and implemented without delay.
Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, described the explosion as a tragic and avoidable incident.
The PUNCH had reported that the explosion, which occurred in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, damaged about 58 houses and left 77 residents injured.
Speaking at the event, Lawal, who chaired the committee, said the government swiftly responded to the disaster by deploying emergency and post-explosion support services. He added that efforts were made to investigate the root cause of the explosion while urging residents to remain security-conscious.
He said, “Immediately after the explosion at Deji Oyelese Close, Bodija, the state government took immediate steps to mitigate the damage.
“Given the unusual nature of the incident, particularly in such a high-profile area, it was necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. This tragic event underscores the need for heightened security awareness.”
The deputy governor assured that the relief fund report would be promptly acted upon to provide much-needed support to victims.
“On behalf of His Excellency, I want to assure you that this report will be reviewed quickly and its recommendations implemented without delay. We recognize that further delays would only prolong the suffering of those affected, and we will put in all necessary efforts to ensure speedy action.”
Presenting the report, retired Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who represented the committee chairman, said the report was compiled into four volumes.
“The report contains detailed recommendations on the disbursement and management of the relief fund, based on expert assessments and deliberations with stakeholders, including the Bodija Estate Residents Association and the Nigerian Society of Engineers,” Owoseni said.
According to him, the report’s first volume presents the main findings and recommendations, while the second contains details of the framework for financial distribution. The third volume provides a breakdown of allocations to affected persons, and the fourth contains pictorial evidence of the destruction caused by the explosion.
Also speaking, the President of the Bodija Estate Residents Association, Muyiwa Bamgbose, stated that the committee had proposed financial support for various categories of victims, including those who lost loved ones, property, and valuables.
“We carefully assessed the level of impact on each individual and made appropriate recommendations. Now, we hope for a swift implementation of the report, as His Excellency has assured,” Bamgbose said.
