Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has disclosed that the Akure explosion, which erupted early on Saturday morning, was caused by a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighboring state.
The Governor, who stated in a tweet, explained that the vehicle developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo road. He said,
“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.
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. pic.twitter.com/LNIb83ZSAf
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
“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.”
Over 50 residential, school, church buildings were destroyed by an explosion suspected to be bomb blast in Akure, about a kilometer away from the airport in the Ondo State capital, early on Saturday morning.
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The blast cut off the ever-busy Akure /Owo road while many people were said to be injured.
The explosion 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.
Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, via his Twitter handle has asked residents to be calm and promised to visit the affected area soon.
I've been briefed by security agencies in the state concerning the loud blast that was heard in Akure. I will be at the scene to assess on the advise of heads of our security agencies.
I ask that all citizens remain calm as we ascertain details of the incidence.
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
Details later …
