Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has received the report on the disbursement of relief funds for victims affected by the Bodija explosion that occurred in January 2024.
The report was presented in Ibadan on Wednesday, with the governor assuring that the recommendations would be reviewed and implemented without delay.
The explosion, which took place on January 16 in the Adeyi area of Bodija, resulted in loss of lives and significant property damage. Authorities attributed the incident to the unlawful storage of explosive materials in a residential building.
To support those impacted, the state government had established a 10-member committee on December 24 to oversee the relief fund’s distribution. The explosion affected a wide area, spanning a 14-kilometre radius, leaving many residents in distress.
Speaking on behalf of the governor at the presentation, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting the victims as quickly as possible.
“This initiative aims to provide relief and support to those who suffered losses,” he said.
Governor Makinde also highlighted the state government’s swift response to the disaster, including emergency relief measures and post-incident support.
He emphasized that the administration conducted a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, noting that such a devastating event was unprecedented in the area.
“No one expected such large-scale destruction in an upscale part of Bodija,” he remarked. “This situation underscores the need for heightened security and vigilance in our communities.”
He assured that the report’s recommendations would be acted upon promptly, recognizing the urgency of assisting those affected.
“We do not have the luxury of time. The implementation of this report will be fast-tracked to ensure that victims receive the support they need,” Makinde stated.
During the presentation, committee member Fatai Owoseni, who also serves as the governor’s special adviser on security matters, explained that the report was compiled into four volumes.
He noted that the committee had put forward key recommendations to ensure the fair and transparent disbursement of the relief funds.