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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams, has condemned Tuesday night’s explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, adding that Governor Seyi Makinde must bring the culprits to book.
Adams, in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, described the incident as unfortunate and advised the government to unravel the perpetrators.
He blamed the incident on the carelessness of the miners, pointing out that such act was illegal and a threat to the lives and property of the people of the state.
“As far as I am concerned, the story of the Ibadan explosion had left many questions hanging in the balance. It was a security threat to the state, that is why it is important for Governor Makinde to fish out those behind the incident and bring them to book.
“It is very unfortunate that the death toll is rising by the day and victims of the unfortunate incident are in the various hospitals recuperating.
“The extent of the damage in the area was great involving many houses. And going by the statement and assurances of the governor, I think a case of such multiple damages should not be treated with levity. Ibadan is the political headquarters of the South- West region and anything that affects Ibadan naturally has spiral effect on other states in the South West.
“So, the state government should leave no stone unturned by making sure that perpetrators of the dastardly act didn’t go scot-free.”
Adams condoled with the governor, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, people of Ibadan and the state as well as families of those killed in the unfortunate incident.
Recall that there was a massive explosion in old Bodija area of Ibadan on Tuesday night, January 16, which left at least seven people dead and injuring several others.