Ribadu Takes Charge of Investigation into Ibadan Blast

Investigation into last week’s blast in Ibadan has taken a higher dimension with the involvement of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

The ongoing investigation and forensic analysis are spearheaded by the Oyo State government.

Ribadu, it was learnt, will visit the blast site in Bodija today for an on-the-spot assessment and to take a direct briefing from the state government and its investigators.

This will enable Ribadu to decide on how the Office of the NSA will collaborate with them.

Also expected in Ibadan today is Minister Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake.

At the weekend, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola visited the scene and expressed absolute shock at what he saw.

Justice Ariwoola hails from Oyo State.

Alake, in a statement from his office, stated that the Federal Government would make a categorical statement on the blast after the result of the forensic investigation is released.

The statement reads: “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals, is waiting for the outcome of the forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital last week.

Last Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Tinubu took a step to holistically address insecurity around our nation’s natural resources by constituting an inter-ministerial committee led by Dr Alake to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy, which constitutes Nigeria’s natural resources.

The minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.