Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has received the report on the disbursement of relief funds for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion.
The report was submitted in Ibadan on Wednesday, with the governor assuring that the recommendations would be swiftly reviewed and implemented.
The explosion, which occurred on January 16 in the Adeyi area of Bodija, led to the loss of lives and extensive damage to properties. Investigations linked the incident to the illegal storage of explosive materials in a residential building.
To support the affected residents, the state government had, on December 24, constituted a 10-member committee to oversee the distribution of relief funds.
The explosion affected a 14-kilometre radius, leaving many families in distress.
Representing the governor at the report presentation, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the victims receive the necessary assistance without delay.
“This initiative is aimed at bringing relief to those affected,” he stated.
Governor Makinde also recalled the immediate response by the state government, which included emergency intervention and post-disaster support.
He emphasized that thorough investigations were carried out to understand the root cause of the explosion, describing it as an unprecedented incident in the area.
“No one could have predicted such extensive destruction in a prime location like Bodija,” he noted. “This serves as a lesson on the importance of security and vigilance in our communities.”
He assured that the recommendations in the report would be acted upon promptly, as the government recognizes the urgency of providing relief to the victims.
“We understand the need for swift action. There is no room for further delays, and we will ensure that all necessary efforts are put in place for quick implementation,” Makinde added.
During the presentation, Fatai Owoseni, a member of the committee and the governor’s special adviser on security matters, explained that the report was compiled into four volumes.
He noted that the committee had outlined key recommendations on the distribution and management of the relief fund to ensure transparency and effectiveness.