Investigation into last week’s blast in Ibadan has taken a higher dimension with the involvement of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
The ongoing investigation and forensic analysis are spearheaded by the Oyo State government.
Ribadu, it was learnt, will visit the blast site in Bodija today for an on-the-spot assessment and to take a direct briefing from the state government and its investigators.
This will enable Ribadu to decide on how the Office of the NSA will collaborate with them.
Also expected in Ibadan today is Minister Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake.
At the weekend, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola visited the scene and expressed absolute shock at what he saw.
Justice Ariwoola hails from Oyo State.
Alake, in a statement from his office, stated that the Federal Government would make a categorical statement on the blast after the result of the forensic investigation is released.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals, is waiting for the outcome of the forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital last week.
“President Bola Tinubu, it would be recalled, placed a telephone call to Oyo State Governor, immediately after the tragic incident, in the presence of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, victims, and the good people of Oyo state.
“Thereafter, the minister sent condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and other victims. The minister also commended the Oyo State Government for mobilising relief response.
“The ministry also deployed Mine Inspectorate officers 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 the loss of lives and properties.
“Alongside the press statement personally signed by Dr Alake to convey his deepest sympathies to the people of Oyo State, he has also been at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence.
“Last Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Tinubu took a step to holistically address insecurity around our nation’s natural resources by constituting an inter-ministerial committee led by Dr Alake to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy, which constitutes Nigeria’s natural resources.
“The minister assures 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.
“The minister 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.”
At the weekend, 90 per cent of the 77 injured victims were discharged from the hospitals.
Five people were confirmed dead while 58 houses were damaged, some of them completely flattened.
As of last night, no arrest had been made. Search and rescue efforts entered day six.
