Oyo State Governor, Seyi makinde, has stated the reason that he would not reveal the names of the owner of the company who stored mining explosives in the residential building, which caused explosion on the 16th of January in the state capital, Ibadan.
The reason is contained in his latest newsletter.
See full text of the newsletter below:
It has been a very difficult past week as we have faced one of the most devastating incidents, if not the most devastating, that Oyo State has experienced in the last 48 years.
The Ground Zero of this incident, Old Bodija, is historically important to Oyo State. For those who may not know, Bodija Housing Estate was the first housing estate built in Nigeria in 1959. It expanded from the initial 400 acres to the present Old and New Bodija.
As an administration that strongly believes in the history, culture and values of Oyo State, the destruction witnessed at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, hits differently. We are not able to completely grasp the magnitude of the blast until we have received full reports from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who carried out integrity tests on houses around the epicentre, the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) who took measurements of the radiation doses and geologists from the University of Ibadan who took seismic measurements. We are looking forward to receiving those reports in the coming week.
We have had people ask to know the names of the owners of the company who used the residential building to store mining explosives. For security and investigative reasons, we have chosen to keep that information away from the public domain. Rest assured, I have given you my word that the culprits involved in this unfortunate incident will face the full wrath of the law. I have already received an interim report containing the actions the security agencies have taken to arrest all those involved. I expect the full report within a week.
Bodija Ground Zero
I have met with our traditional rulers, and my message to them was clear. We must, as a people, be more vigilant. When we see something, we must say something. And when we say something, we must follow up to ensure that the authorities do something.
Some people have misconstrued our focus on speaking up as victim blaming. We are not saying the residents of Old Bodija are to blame for what happened. As I said, we have gone after the culprits and all their collaborators. But we must learn from our mistakes. This is why it is expedient to encourage everyone to make security their concern.
We know that given our people’s culture, we sometimes let things go because we do not want to be the person who raises false alarms. But it is better, wiser to raise a false alarm than to raise no alarm at all.
You may call 615, contact the Oyo State Government Feedback WhatsApp number 08035624648 or email talktous@feedbackoysg.com to make reports. On social media, you can make reports on Facebook, Instagram or X.
Bodija will be restored. But the Oyo State Government cannot do this alone. Remember that together, we are stronger. The Residents Association have provided an account number through which people can support the rebuilding efforts. All contributions to this cause can go here. As I mentioned before, Oyo State still awaits a comprehensive report from various quarters, which will determine the government’s next steps to help the victims get back on their feet.
Before I end this email, let me take a few moments to thank everyone who has contributed to rescue and evacuation efforts at Ground Zero and all other efforts connected to the Bodija incident. Special thanks to the local and international Red Cross and the families who have taken in displaced persons. God bless you.
