Abiodun, Oyebanji, others commiserate with victims of Ibadan explosion
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ondo state, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke have commiserated with the victims of the exposikntnat rocked Ibadan on Tuesday.
The Governors expressed their grief in separate messages issued on Wednesday
In a condolence message to his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of the state, Prince Abiodun regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality.
The governor praised the swift response of the Oyo State government, which promptly dispatched first responders to the scene, thereby saving more lives.
This was just as he expressed absolute confidence that the Oyo State government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted, saying that the government is on top of the situation.
He said, “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time and offer our full support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“The quick response by the state government, no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured find strength and healing. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.”
Prince Abiodun added that Ibadan is strategic to every Yoruba person given its historic importance, adding that the governments of the South-West states would not be deterred by the tragic incident, but would “jointly intensify security across our states to ensure that our people are safe and secure.”
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji also commiserated with families of victims of the explosion and those whose properties were damaged.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the Ekiti state Governor commended Governor Makinde for the swift manner he responded to the incidents. He urged law enforcement agencies in the state to get to the root of the matter and bring the culprits to justice.
“The Government and people of Ekiti State commiserate with the people of Oyo State, especially victims of the explosion.
“It is regrettable that while the government is busy making concerted efforts to ensure progress and development, some individuals, through their nefarious activities, have wreaked havoc and caused pain for fellow citizens.”
The Governor urged Governor Makinde not to be discouraged or distracted by the development.
Sanwo-Olu also commended Governor Makinde for the prompt deployment of first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State, as well as earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights and security for comprehensive search and rescue operations at the scene of the explosion.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the Ibadan explosion that led to the destruction of many properties in the vicinity with records of two fatalities and 77 people injured on Tuesday night at Bodija in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“It is painful and worrisome that the explosion was caused allegedly by illegal miners, who stored explosive devices in one of the houses in the Bodija area of the State. Sadly, the carelessness and unlawful activities of the illegal miners have brought sorrow to many families and the State.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I sympathise with the immediate families of the victims of the explosion, the government and people of Oyo State.
“I wish Governor Seyi Makinde and all the people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents and victims’ families, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
“I want to assure my brother-Governor that the good people of Lagos State stand with you in this very difficult time. We pray that God would comfort the victims’ families and the entire people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents, who were affected by the disaster.”