Foreign Involvement in Ibadan Explosion Confirmed by Governor Makinde, Calls for Stricter Regulations
After the devastating explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, reports from residents in the area indicate the involvement of illegal miners from Mali, one of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed this account, stating that non-Nigerian individuals were behind the tragic incident. The explosion resulted in the loss of three lives, injuries to many, and the destruction of property valued at billions of naira.
In response to the incident, President Bola Tinubu urged government agencies to identify and punish those responsible for the reckless behaviour that led to the explosion. President Tinubu expressed his deep concern, describing the incident as “worrisome”.
Residents of the area, including a person identified as Apa, attribute the explosion to illegal miners from Mali, who they claim were residing in the neighbourhood. Apa highlighted the use of explosive materials by the Malian miners for their illegal activities and urged the Federal Government to take action.
Additionally, further allegations on social media pointed to an individual named Sawane Youssouf, the purported owner of the company, SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited, where the explosives were stored. The organization was revealed to be registered in Nigeria and had links to foreign individuals.
Governor Makinde confirmed the casualties resulting from the explosion and disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated the involvement of foreign names in the company’s documents. He expressed his plans to enforce stricter regulations, including obtaining permission from the president to mandate all miners using explosives in Oyo State to store them with the military.
In a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State. He urged relevant government agencies to swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and provide immediate relief to the victims.
Tolu Ogunlesi, a media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, addressed the need to shift the focus to mining and quarrying operations in Nigeria. He advocated for a national whistleblowing campaign to address the issue of explosive materials being housed in neighbourhoods without the knowledge of authorities.
The governor’s confirmation of the foreign role in the Ibadan explosion underscores the urgency for stricter controls and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragic event has not only resulted in loss of life and extensive injuries but has also highlighted a critical need for more stringent measures to ensure the safety and security of communities. As investigations continue, it is crucial for authorities to take proactive steps to prevent such occurrences and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
