Sadiya Farouq: I’ve asked NEMA to provide support for victims of Akure blast

Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, says she has asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims of the explosion that rocked Akure, Ondo state, on Saturday.

Farouq said this in her condolence message to the people of the state over the explosion.

Rotimi Akeredolu, the state governor, said the blast, which occurred about two kilometres to Akure Airport, was caused by a vehicle transporting explosives to a quarry in another state.

The incident reportedly left some persons injured and many buildings destroyed.

Farouq, who said she was saddened by the explosion, added that the incident “underscores (her) Ministry’s determination as the coordinator of all humanitarian and disaster response to work with all relevant stakeholders to consolidate an All-Hazard approach and guidelines for disaster risk management”.

She offered her sympathy to the people and promised to follow up on developments concerning the blast.

“I received this morning the sad news the explosion which occurred in Ondo State. On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend my sympathies and condolence to the Government and peoples of Ondo State, especially those living in and around Eleyowo village. I have instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to render technical support to the State while keeping me abreast of any developments,” the statement read.

“While casualty figures and the actual cause of this disaster are being determined, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development notes that scores of houses, a church and possibly some other buildings have been destroyed. Disasters come in many shapes and forms.

“This disaster coming in at a time the Federal Government is battling the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores my Ministry’s determination as the Coordinator of all humanitarian and disaster response to work with all relevant stakeholders to consolidate an All-Hazard approach and guidelines for disaster risk management that will prioritize prevention, response, and recovery while continuing to build resilience for our local communities to withstand disasters when they occur.”