The Federal Government is awaiting the outcome of a forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the cause of a tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, the Oyo State capital last week.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement on Sunday by his aide, Segun Tomori.
On January 16, 2024, explosion rocked the Bodija area of the ancient city, with buildings blown off due to terrific vibration.
Governor Seyi Makinde had said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the blast was caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.
At least five persons have been confirmed dead and scores injured in the blast wave while many buildings were destroyed.
On Sunday, the Solid Minerals Ministry said mine Inspectorate officers have been deployed to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies to unravel the cause of the explosion.
“The Federal Government is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives and properties,” the ministry stated.
Alake assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.
He “believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations. That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence”.