The federal government has decided to exercise caution and refrain from making any definitive statements regarding the Ibadan explosion until all ongoing forensic investigations are completed.
This decision was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, during a visit to the explosion site at Dejo Oyelese in Bodija, Ibadan on Monday, January 22.
Emphasizing the importance of gathering all relevant facts and evidence before drawing conclusions, Minister Alake stated that the comprehensive forensic investigation process must be allowed to conclude in order to uncover the root causes of the explosion and address any safety lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He reassured the public that the federal government is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this devastating explosion are brought to justice and that support will be provided to the victims.
Alake further explained that the federal government is waiting for the final report of the ongoing forensic investigations, which is being carried out by various security agencies and the mines inspectorate division of the ministry of solid minerals.
Only after examining all the forensic analysis reports and investigations will the federal government be in a position to make an informed judgment and a definitive statement. He cautioned against making premature pronouncements, as it could be misleading.
During a courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde at the governor’s office, Minister Alake commended the governor’s prompt response to the disaster. He also mentioned that the government is drawing on the experiences from the 2002 explosion in Lagos to inform its approach to the current situation.
In response to questions from journalists about the possibility of demolishing structures within the blast area, Governor Makinde stated that they are awaiting the forensic report from the team conducting structural integrity tests.
He emphasized the need to provide extended temporary accommodation for affected individuals and to ensure the security of the area. Governor Makinde acknowledged the ongoing work of forensic pathologists and expressed the importance of supporting their efforts, as there is still much work to be done.
