By Ayomide Joseph
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that the mining company linked to the devastating explosion that rocked Ibadan on Tuesday is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under foreign ownership. The governor shared these crucial details while speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday night.
Providing an update on the aftermath of the tragic incident, Governor Makinde confirmed that the death toll has tragically increased to three.
Speaking on efforts to unravel the identity of the firm responsible for the explosion, Makinde said his government is “actively working to identify those involved. Preliminary findings on the company indicate foreign names on the CAC documents, though it’s still early days. Transparency is our priority, and we have nothing to conceal.”
The governor further disclosed that authorities had identified individuals of interest believed to be linked with the explosion.
He clarified that the incident was not linked to banditry or insurgency but rather to illegal miners who stored explosives in a residential area.
Makinde reassured the public of his administration’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We have no reason for a cover-up, and the people of the state should trust us.”
In an effort to prevent future incidents, Governor Makinde unveiled plans to seek presidential approval for miners to store explosives under military supervision. He announced his intention to sign an executive order in the coming days to enforce this measure.
Providing relief to those affected by the explosion, the governor mentioned that temporary shelter had been arranged for residents whose houses were destroyed. Hotels in Bodija and the Agodi areas of the state capital are hosting those displaced by the tragic incident.
The New Diplomat recalls that Governor Makinde had earlier tied the explosion that rocked the state on Tuesday to the activities of illegal miners.
Makinde explained that the preliminary investigation conducted by security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices in the building which caused the explosion.
However, Omoyele Sowore, the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), urged Governor Makinde to disclose the identity of the illegal miners responsible for the explosion.
Sowore also criticized the Department of State Services for not releasing a preliminary report, given its role in granting licenses for the use of explosives nationwide.
