By Emmanuel Enebeli
IBADAN/Nigeria: The serene atmosphere of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, was violently disrupted by an unprecedented explosion at approximately 8 pm on the evening of January 16, 2024. The incident has left residents in a state of bewilderment and anxiety, prompting varied interpretations of the unsettling occurrence.
In an official press statement issued shortly after the incident, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo State, confirmed the government’s rapid response and reassured citizens that the situation is firmly under control.
“It is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident,” declared Commissioner Oyelade.
He went on to reveal that Governor Seyi Makinde has deployed all security service chiefs, including para-military chiefs and fire operatives, to rein in potential spillover effects from the explosion. The coordinated efforts of these forces are aimed at containing the situation and preventing any further harm to residents and infrastructure.
“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore, implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after,” emphasized Commissioner Oyelade in the press statement.
The governor’s directive to deploy security forces underscores the gravity with which the government is approaching the aftermath of the explosion. Authorities are diligently working to ascertain the cause of the explosion and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. The incident remains under investigation as the community anxiously awaits further updates from the government.
