The assurance of the government of Oyo State, southwest Nigeria, to bring perpetrators of the explosion that killed two people and injured over 70 others to justice must not end with just rhetoric.
Development Diaries reports that the capital of Oyo State, Ibadan, was shaken by an explosion on Tuesday night, sending residents running for cover.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in a Facebook post, revealed that the blast was caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija, the area where the blast occurred.
‘Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there, which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book’, he said.
The governor’s statement must not just end in the news headlines; there should be concrete action to ensure that those who caused this are punished accordingly.
Furthermore, in the event of what has just occurred, the governor should promptly take decisive action to address the immediate aftermath and prevent future occurrences.
Aside from coordinating with relevant emergency response agencies to ensure a swift and effective rescue operation, the governor must focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks and law enforcement efforts to prevent future occurrences of illegal mining activities leading to deadly incidents.
The state government must also engage with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining, emphasising the need for adherence to safety regulations and sustainable mining practices.
Additionally, working closely with security agencies is crucial to addressing the criminal elements associated with illegal mining. Joint operations involving the police, armed forces, and other security agencies can help apprehend those involved in illegal mining and dismantle their operations.
Development Diaries calls on Governor Makinde to ensure thorough investigations are conducted and the perpetrators of this deadly act are punished accordingly.
Photo source: BBC
