‘We’re ready to help’ — Sanwo-Olu commiserates with Oyo over Ibadan blast

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has commiserated with Seyi Makinde, his Oyo counterpart, over the explosion in the state.

An explosion had rocked the Adeyi Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo, on Tuesday night, leaving two dead and 77 injured.

Several properties, including vehicles and houses, were also destroyed by the explosion.

Makinde, who visited the scene of the blast, said the disaster was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu said his “thoughts” are with the families of the victims of the tragedy.

“I’m sending heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the tragic Ibadan explosion,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.

“My thoughts are with the families of the victims. This is a disheartening incident that calls for unity and support in these challenging times.”

Sanwo-Olu commended Makinde for the “swift response and deployment of first responders” in the wake of the incident.

He said the people of Lagos “stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters” in Oyo and are “ready to provide any support required during these times”.

‘ONE TRAGEDY AFTER ANOTHER’

Similarly, Bukola Saraki, former senate president, has described the explosion as “devastating”.

In a post on the microblogging site, Saraki said those found culpable should be brought to book.

“Over the last 24 hours, communities across Nigeria have grappled with devastating events,” he wrote. 

“From the explosion in Ibadan, which claimed lives, injured many, and buried property; to the unfortunate fire outbreak in Ilorin South LGA of Kwara State, many people’s lives and livelihoods have been destroyed.

“To the news of a market fire on Lagos-Asaba road, Agbor; the supermarket fire in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja; to the reports of a fire in Karmo market, also in Abuja — news of one tragedy after another has barely given us time to grieve for the previous one.

“At this time, my heartfelt prayers are with all those injured, displaced, and grieving in the aftermath of these unfortunate incidents.

“As a nation, we must do more to mitigate such devastating fires, and enact stronger emergency response measures.”

Saraki prayed for strength and comfort for those affected by the various incidents.