The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN visited the Akure explosion site for an on-the-spot assessment of the devastating effects of the recent explosion.
The blast which occurred in the early hours of Saturday cut off the ever-busy Akure /Owo road while many people were said to be injured.
No fewer than 100 residential buildings, schools, churches were destroyed by an explosion suspected to be bomb blast in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The incident which happened less than a kilometer to Akure Airport, affected many residents of Eleyowo community, destroying completely a church and a school in the area.
Many people who lived within the church premises were said to be injured while some were rescued by the people of the community.
The school with boarding facilities was destroyed beyond repair with roofs of all the buildings blown off.
The spot at which the bomb or blast happened cut off the road, hindering vehicular movement.
Speaking during the visit, Akeredolu said, “I have been briefed by the security chiefs that in the early hours of Saturday, March 28th, a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighboring state developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo Road about 2km from the Akure Airport.
Security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke from the vehicle. After several attempts to extinguish the resulting fire failed, the vehicle and its consignment ignited causing a massive explosion that was felt in Akure and its environs.
Presently, efforts are being made to ascertain if there are casualties. Following my visit to the scene, I have directed that the area be cordoned off to allow the explosive ordinance department/bomb squad to extricate the vehicle buried underground because it is unclear if there are still explosives that are yet to be detonated. Everything is under control and I will be updating the public on any new developments.
We understand that this is taking place in the midst of a global crisis. We ask that everyone continues to stay calm, stay safe and continue to take responsibility in this Covid-19 Nigeria fight.”
“I have instructed the State Ministry for Works to commence the rehabilitation of the alternate route, a rural road through Iluabo, due to the importance of the Akure-Owo Road. We will also engage the Federal Government on how to fast track the repair of the damaged portion.”
I have been briefed by the security chiefs that in the early hours of Saturday March 28th, a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo Road about 2km from the Akure Airport. pic.twitter.com/3EnmmQBd1E
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
