Ibadan explosion: Makinde signs executive order on safe handling of harmful substance

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday signed into into law Executive Order 001, 2024, on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

In a brief signing ceremony held at his private office, Governor Makinde said the move became imperative in light of the unfortunate incident at Bodija, where explosives were stored in a residential area.

He said failure to comply with the provisions of the executive order shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable by the law.

Makinde, who was also at the ground zero of the explosion site, disclosed that structural integrity tests on affected buildings have been concluded, adding that the official report is expected next week.

The governor disclosed that most patients hospitalised due to the explosion have been discharged, with only one person awaiting surgery.

“We have also continued our engagement with the affected community and we are working towards supporting them to resume their normal lives.

“We have scheduled an expanded meeting for Tuesday, 6 February, after which we will outline the next steps our administration will take on this issue,” Makinde said.