Arrest those responsible for Ibadan explosion – NUJ, others tell Nigerian govt, security agencies

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) Oyo State chapter and Da’wah Front of Nigeria (DFN), have called for arrest of the people involved in the explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The three organisations made this declaration via separate statements made available to Newspot on Thursday.

Newspot recalls that an explosive device exploded at a residential building located at Dejo Oyelese close, Bodija Housing Estate in Ibadan on Tuesday leaving two people dead and others injured.

Property worth millions of naira were also destroyed, while hundreds of people have been displaced as a result of the incident which was felt in other parts of Ibadan.

The NUJ, SPN and DFN in their separate reactions tasked the government to launch an independent investigate panel to unravel the people behind the incident.

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The three organisations said that there is a need to arrest the culprits.

NUJ in a statement jointly signed by the duo of Ademola Babalola (Chairman) and Olusola Oladapo (Secretary), said that it stands in solidarity with the affected individuals, including three members of the union whose houses were affected.

“Together, as a community, we can overcome this tragedy, while working towards a safer and more secure environment for all.

“We have equally sent intelligence reports we garnered through our investigations to the Governor and relevant security agencies to launch manhunt on other suspected offices of the prime suspect and company linked to the unfortunate incident.”

SPN, in its part, tasked the government to launching a democratic and scientific investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.

The party in a statement signed by its Secretary, Ayodeji Adigun, insisted that only a democratic and scientific investigation can provide a reliable insight into what caused the disaster.

It said, “It is in consideration of this background we fault the commentary and conclusion on the cause credited to Engr Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor.

“It is too hasty for the governor to have pinned the cause of the explosion to the alleged activities of illegal miners without any open and credible investigation, especially while nothing can be ruled out. As far as we are concerned, only democratic and scientific investigation can provide a reliable insight into what caused the disaster.

Also reacting, DFN advised the government to investigate the incident without wasting more time.

The group in a statement signed by its National Missioner, Professor Taofiq AbdulAzeez and National Coordinator, AbdulGafaar Musliudeen, insisted that appropriate sanctions should be taken against those responsible for the incident.

DFN said, “The impact of such an unfortunate event is immeasurable, and we share in the pains and grief that have befallen our community. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State as you navigate through these trying times, and we offer our unwavering support to those directly affected by the blast.”