Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Orji Kalu and his Abia Central counterpart, Senator Austin Akobundu, have commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State over the Tuesday explosion in Ibadan, describing it as sad and devastating.
Reacting to the ugly incident, Kalu, in a statement in Abuja, commiserated with the families of the departed souls while wishing hospitalized victims speedy recovery.
The former Governor who expressed sadness over the painful incident, which was attributed to the activities of illegal miners, urged the government to commence a full scale investigation into the sad development in a bid to forestall future occurrence.
The statement reads, “I received with shock the news of the explosion in Ibadan on Tuesday.
“It is depressing considering the lives that were lost and injured victims.
“Government must bring to book the perpetrators of the ugly incident in order to prevent future occurrences.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the departed souls.
“I also wish the hospitalized victims quick recovery”.
The former Governor, who is also Ashipa Seriki Mayegun of Ibadanland, urged the government of Oyo state to work with appropriate authorities at the federal level in bringing succor to the victims of the tragic incident.
On his part, Senator Akobundu has expressed shock over Tuesday’s explosion in a high-brow residential area in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state capital which claimed lives and left several injured.
A statement signed by Senator Akobundu described the incident as “shattering especially at this critical time when families are struggling to survive the harsh economic situation in the country.”
The lawmaker commended the Oyo State Governor for his prompt response and seeking the initiative not only to provide medical facilities for the injured but succour for those rendered homeless.
While backing through Oyo State Governor determination to get to the root of the incident through a thorough investigation, Senator Akobundu prayed for
“the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the explosion, speedy recovery for the wounded and God’s consolation to the displaced and all those affected in the unfortunate incident.”
His statement reads in part:” I convey my heartfelt commiserations and that of the people of Abia Central Senatorial District to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Government and people of Oyo State over the tragic explosion in Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
“I was shocked by the news of the blast which claimed the lives of citizens, injured and rendered many homeless and devastated, following the death of their loved ones and destruction of their homes and other property in the area.
“Such tragic incident is shattering especially at this critical time when families are struggling to survive the harsh economic situation in the country.
“I commend Governor Makinde for his characteristic people-first response in immediately visiting the scene of the incident and providing assistance and comfort to the victims through prompt evacuation, payment of medical bills for the wounded, emergency accommodation for the displaced and guaranteed government support to all those affected by the blast.
“Equally commendable is Governor Makinde’s proactive steps for inquiries into the cause of the explosion so as to bring the culprits to book and ensure that such disaster does not reoccur in the State.
“Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State are in my thoughts and prayers at this moment as we pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the explosion, speedy recovery for the wounded and God’s consolation to the displaced and all those affected in the unfortunate incident.”