Bodija explosion masterminds remanded, facing terrorism charges – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said the government has taken steps to prosecute those who caused the Bodija explosion on January 16, 2024.

He also said the government had inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area and others, adding that the government would also start the process of rebuilding the affected areas.

The governor gave the assurance in commemoration of the first anniversary of the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija area of Ibadan.

On the night of January 16, 2024, during one of the matches of the African Cup of Nations, a loud explosion was heard, which reverberated across Ibadan, with residents unsure of what had happened.

Security agencies and emergency responders quickly swung into action to locate the incident scene.

It was later found out that explosives stockpiled in a residential building at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija area of the town had detonated.

The development claimed five lives, with many buildings and structures around the axis badly damaged.

Speaking in commemoration of the incident on Thursday, Makinde said, “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.”

He reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure that every part of the state is safe and secure.

The governor, while praying for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident, called on the citizens to join hands with the government in securing the state.

“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 that 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.”

The governor prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident and comfort for their loved ones.