Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday vowed that the Security operatives will deal decisively with looters found in the vicinity of the explosion that occurred on Tuesday night.
Makinde made this disclosure during a chat with newsmen on the update of the explosion that hit Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday night.
He warned the unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of this disaster to carry any form of looting.
“We have asked the security agencies to deal decisively with anyone found to loot in the place and to ensure there is no break down of law and order”, the Governor warned.
Makinde vowed that people that were involved directly or indirectly to bring this tragedy upon the residents of Ibadan will be brought to book, adding that there is an available information of the company that used the vicinity where the blast occurred on Tuesday to store explosives.
“We continue to provide regular updates regarding the action we are taking through the emergency operations centre on our various feedback channels on and off social media.
“The further update I can provide at this time is that we have information regarding the company that used the residence to store explosives. Rest assured that all that were involved directly and indirectly to bring this tragedy upon will be brought to the book”, he said.
Giving an update on the casualty figure, Makinde said, “Just this morning another individual has been recovered alive from the rubble.
While acknowledging the magnitude of the explosion, the Governor vowed that search and rescue operation will continue until all the residents in the areas are accounted for while putting out the emergency number to call in case there is any person who is still tracked in the debris.
He said, “As the emergency team members have validated, search and rescue operation will continue until all within the vicinity of the blast are accounted for.
“We are aware that aside of the immediate perimeter of the incident, people as far as 25 kilometers have been affected physically or psychologically.
“We therefore put the emergency operation centre which is being directed by Professor Temitope Alonge to coordinate all search and rescue efforts.”
Calling on the residents to remain calm, Makinde assured that “we will do everything possible to provide succour to everyone concen.
“There are numbers that have been provided to reach out to emergency operation centre, 615, 0704998057, 08147672009.”
He urged the people still staying in the house within 250 metres of grand zero to move out to the accommodations provided by the government until the structural integrity of the houses in the areas is checked.
Makinde specifically cautioned against spreading fake news and disinformation that is capable of creating panic for people, saying, “Let us refrain from spreading fake news and disinformation that may potentially caused panic within the populace.”
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu who order the team of the National Emergency Management Authority to join the locals in the search and rescue operation, adding the Tinubu extend his condolences to thosed who lost their lost ones in the unfortunate incident.
“Just as I was to start this press conference, I received call from Mr President. I want to specilly thamked him. He has approved that NEMA to be on ground, I can confirm that they are already on ground and working with us locally.
“He also gave his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident, assuring he is with us at this trying moment.”
