Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday said those who are responsible for the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese street, Bodija area of the capital city are facing trial for terrorism.
The governor, who said the government has taken steps to prosecute the suspects, also disclosed that those involved are currently held in prison contrary to insinuations that the matter has been swept under the carpet.
Makinde, while reiterating the determination of his administration to ensure that every part of the state is safe and secure, assured that the government will soon start the process of rebuilding the affected area as contracts have been awarded to fix all the roads in the axis.
He added that the government has inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area, and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ, to come up with a modality for the disbursement of the financial support the government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion.
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The governor gave this assurance in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the explosion that rocked the area in Ibadan.
The Nation reports that the incident which left in its trail, five death and over 70 individuals sustaining varying degrees of injury with over 200 houses damaged.
The governor, while praying for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident, called on the citizens to join hands with the government in securing the state.
Makinde said, “As a government we are doing all we can to make the state safe. This is why we are investing so much in security architecture. But for these efforts to yield the desired results, we need the cooperation of the citizens; we need information from the citizens.
“That is why we say, ‘If you see something, say something and the authorities will do something about it.
“The explosion of January 16, 2024 could have been prevented if those who saw those storing explosive devices in residential areas had informed our security operatives. That means the people that died did not have to die, the houses that were destroyed didn’t have to be destroyed and the disruption that we experienced didn’t have to happen.
“So, to prevent recurrence of such in any part of the state, let us all take the issue of security seriously and cooperate with security operatives by providing necessary information that will help them in discharging their duties of securing our lives.
“We pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident and we pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen their loved ones.”
He said further, “As a government we have taken steps to prosecute those who caused this unfortunate incident. They are facing trial for terrorism and are currently being held in prison.
“The government will soon start the process of rebuilding the affected area as contracts have been awarded to fix all the roads in the axis.
“Similarly, we have inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area, and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“The committee is to come up with a modality for the disbursement of the financial support the state government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion.”
To commemorate the day, the residents under the aegis of Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) in conjunction with Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG) held a remembrance service at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church.
The residents, many of who said they are still waiting for the promised compensation from the government added that numerous families are still unable to return to their homes as some properties have been overgrown with weeds and uninhabitable.
Speaking on behalf of the residents during the interdenomination service, the President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose said the gathering was to honor and remember five residents who lost their lives.
He said the incident left over 70 individuals injured, damaged over 200 houses, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
He gave the names of the deceased to include: Mr Fimihan Fagbemi, Mr Toluwalase Kehinde, Mr Ladipo Azeez Oyebamiji, Mrs Agnus Bolanle Badmus and Mr Bolu Adebiyi.
While advocating for Justice for the victims, Bamgbose call for more support, urging the residents to let the incident strengthen their bonds.
Bamgbose said “We gather here today with heavy hearts to remember and honor the five cherished members of our Bodija community who tragically lost their lives in the devastating explosion on January 16, 2024. This incident not only took lives but also injured over 70 individuals and damaged over 200 houses, leaving an indelible mark on our community.
“Their absence is deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
“In the aftermath of this tragedy, we witnessed an outpouring of support that exemplified the strength and unity of our community.
“As we remember those we have lost, let us also renew our commitment to advocate for Justice. We urge the authorities to expedite investigations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Support the Affected: We call upon the government and well-meaning individuals to provide the necessary assistance to help displaced residents rebuild their lives.
“Strengthen community bonds: Let this tragedy serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility in safeguarding our community.”
