Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed on Wednesday that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate of the mining company implicated in Tuesday’s explosion in Bodija, Oyo State, revealed foreign names as owners. The governor, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stated that the death toll from the explosion had risen to three, with additional victims still under hospital care.
Governor Makinde assured the public of transparency in the investigation, noting that preliminary findings showed foreign names associated with the mining company on CAC documents. He emphasized the state’s commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
The governor identified the incident as the result of illegal miners storing explosives in a residential area, ruling out connections to banditry or insurgency. Governor Makinde expressed the state government’s dedication to the well-being of affected residents, providing temporary shelter for those whose houses were destroyed.
Governor Makinde pledged to seek presidential approval for miners to store explosives with the military, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing safety measures in mining activities. He also announced plans to sign an executive order in the coming days to formalize this arrangement.
The explosion, which caused widespread panic and damage, remains under investigation to determine the full extent of the incident.
The explosion occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday evening, resulting in loud blasts, building collapses, and numerous injuries. The aftermath prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
