Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced yesterday that those responsible for the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, are facing trial for terrorism.
The governor, who confirmed that his administration had taken steps to prosecute the suspects, also stated that those involved are currently being held in prison, contrary to insinuations that the matter had been ignored.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde.
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The governor further disclosed that the government would soon begin the process of rebuilding the affected areas, as contracts have already been awarded to repair all the roads in the vicinity.
“Similarly, we have inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, among others.
“The committee is to develop a plan for the disbursement of the financial support the state government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion,” he said.
Makinde also assured the people of the state that his government was committed to making every part of the state safe and secure, urging all residents to work together with the government in ensuring the security of the state.
Residents of the Bodija area in Ibadan, who were affected by the explosion, said they are still awaiting the promised compensation.
They mentioned that many families have been unable to return to their homes, as some properties had been overgrown with weeds and were no longer habitable.
Speaking on behalf of the residents during an interdenominational service held in commemoration of the incident, the President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, explained that the gathering was to honour and remember five residents who lost their lives.
The service, held at Bodija Estate Baptist Church, was organised by BERA in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG).
TheLeadng recalls that the devastating explosion at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija Housing Estate, occurred on January 16, 2024.
At least five people lost their lives, and properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed in the explosion, the impact of which was felt several kilometres from the scene.
