Makinde receives relief fund committee’s report on Bodija explosion

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has received the report of the committee on management/disbursement of the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, noting that the state government will look into the recommendations and implement them as appropriate.

Makinde, who was represented by Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, his deputy, who doubles as the chairman of the relief fund committee, said that the event that led to the setting up of the committee was sad and avoidable.

He noted that the state government responded to the explosion by putting in place several measures, including emergency services and post-explosion support services.

He added that the state had to dig deep into the root cause of the explosion, admonishing residents of the state to continue to be security-conscious and alert.

The governor assured that the committee’s report would be implemented so as to support victims of the explosion and bring some sort of relief to them.

“Immediately the explosion happened at Deji Oyelese Close, Bodija, the Oyo State Government moved in to mitigate the level of damage.

“It also became important for the state government to dig into the root cause of the explosion, which was an unusual incident, particularly in the area where it occurred.

“No one knew that such monumental damage could occur around that high-brow area of Oyo State in Bodija. Nevertheless, we keep learning every day. This is why we must not take for granted the issue of security around us.

“The government put this committee in place of which I am the Chairman. Let me say clearly that my Principal agreed that I must receive this report and that the government will act on the report,” he said.

Fatai Owoseni, a retired commissioner of police and a member of the committee, who stood in for the chairman to present the committee’s report, said that the report was in four volumes.

Muyiwa Bamgbose, the president of Bodija Estate Residents Association, said that the committee proposed support for different categories of victims, including those who lost loved ones, buildings, vehicles and other valuables.

He added that the relief fund is a support and not compensation, noting, however, that if the recommendations of the committee are implemented, they will go a long way in assisting the victims.