Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, assured prompt action on the recommendations of the committee tasked with managing and disbursing the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund. The committee’s report, which was handed over by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, is set to provide much-needed support to the victims of the explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in Ibadan.
Makinde emphasized the urgency of implementing the committee’s recommendations, stating that the state government could not afford any further delays. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the victims, who suffered casualties, injuries, and property damage, would receive assistance without further hindrance. The explosion resulted in five deaths, 78 injuries, and significant damage to 58 houses, affecting 335 individuals in total.
The committee, which was inaugurated by the governor on December 24, 2024, had been working to determine the most effective way to manage the relief fund and provide financial support to the affected residents. The report, presented in four volumes, includes input from the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), and various other experts. It offers a comprehensive framework for the disbursement of government aid and details the types of damages, including personal losses, property destruction, and vehicular damage.
Fatai Owoseni, a retired police commissioner and committee member, provided a breakdown of the report, highlighting that it recommended different levels of support for victims based on the severity of their losses. The committee also proposed various financial allocations for families who lost loved ones, those whose homes were destroyed, and individuals who suffered other damages.
BERA President, Muyiwa Bamgbose, echoed the importance of timely implementation, stressing that the committee had carried out thorough due diligence and was confident that the recommendations would effectively address the needs of the victims.
Governor Makinde reassured the public that his administration would act swiftly to disburse the funds and support the recovery of the affected families, reaffirming his commitment to restoring normalcy to the community.
