Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, said the governments of South West states would not be deterred by the Tuesday night’s explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
A deadly explosion had rocked Bodija area of Ibadan, killing unspecified number of persons and injuring about 70 persons.
At least 20 houses were destroyed by the incident which was attributed to explosives in possession of some illegal miners.
Abiodun in a statement, on Wednesday, described the explosion as a monumental tragedy.
In a condolence message to his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of the state, Abiodun regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality.
The governor praised the swift response of the Oyo State government, which promptly dispatched first responders to the scene, thereby saving more lives.
He expressed “absolute confidence that the Oyo State government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted, saying that the government is on top of the situation.”
Abiodun said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time and offer our full support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“The quick response by the state government, no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured find strength and healing. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.”
Abiodun said Ibadan is strategic to every Yoruba person given its historic importance, adding that the governments of the South-West states would not be deterred by the tragic incident, but would “jointly intensify security across our states to ensure that our people are safe and secure.”
