1-year-after: Gov Makinde reveals masterminds of Ibadan explosion are awaiting trial

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that those behind the Ibadan explosion a year ago are in prison and awaiting trial.

He said this while attending an event to observe the explosion’s first anniversary at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija area of Ibadan.

The Governor revealed that the masterminds had been slapped with terrorism charges, with his administration ready to pursue justice for the victims.

Gov Makinde stressed his administration’s zeal to achieve total security in the state and urged the citizens to collaborate with all security agencies in this regard.

“As a government, we are doing all we can to make the state safe. This is why we are investing so much in security architecture. But for these efforts to yield the desired results, we need the cooperation of the citizens; we need information from the citizens. That is why we say, if you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something about it.’

“The explosion of January 16, 2024, could have been prevented if those who saw those storing explosive devices in residential areas had informed our security operatives. That means the people who died did not have to die, the houses that were destroyed didn’t have to be destroyed, and the disruption that we experienced didn’t have to happen.

“So, to prevent the recurrence of such in any part of the state, let us all take the issue of security seriously and cooperate with security operatives by providing necessary information that will help them in discharging their duties of securing our lives.

“We pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident, and we pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen their loved ones.

“As a government, we have taken steps to prosecute those who caused this unfortunate incident. They are facing trial for terrorism and are currently being held in prison.

“The government will soon start the process of rebuilding the affected area as contracts have been awarded to fix all the roads in the axis.

“Similarly, we have inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The committee is to come up with a modality for the disbursement of the financial support the state government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion,” the Governor said.