Bodija Explosion: Makinde pledges enhanced security across Oyo

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety and security throughout the state.

The governor made this pledge on Thursday in a statement marking the first anniversary of the explosion that occurred at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and urged citizens to actively collaborate with the government to bolster security efforts.

“As a government, we are investing heavily in security infrastructure to make Oyo State safe. However, for these efforts to succeed, we need the active cooperation of our people. If you see something unusual, say something, and the authorities will act promptly,” Makinde said.

Reflecting on the January 16, 2024, explosion, the governor emphasized that the disaster could have been avoided if citizens had reported suspicious activities, such as the storage of explosive devices in residential areas. “The lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the disruption caused were preventable. To avoid a recurrence, we must all take security seriously and support security operatives with timely and relevant information,” he added.

Governor Makinde assured residents that those responsible for the explosion are being held accountable. “We have taken legal steps to prosecute the perpetrators. They are currently facing trial for terrorism and remain in custody,” he revealed.

The governor also announced plans to rebuild the affected area, stating that contracts have been awarded to rehabilitate roads in the vicinity. Additionally, a relief disbursement committee has been inaugurated to manage financial assistance for those impacted by the explosion. The committee includes representatives from the affected community, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for strength for their loved ones. Our administration remains committed to supporting the victims and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again,” Makinde concluded.

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