Senator Sharafadeen Alli has sponsored a motion aimed at seeking support for victims of the recent Ibadan explosion and forestalling future occurrences.
It would be recalled that a devastating bomb explosion occurred on Tuesday, January 16 around 7.44 pm at the serene neighbourhood of Dejo Oyelese Close, off Adeyi Avenue, Ibadan.
The explosion, suspected to have been caused by the negligent handling of mining explosives allegedly stored in a private residence, resulted in loss of lives, extensive property damage and displacement of residents.
No fewer than five lives were lost and over 77 individuals sustained severe burns, necessitating medical treatment, just as investigation is still ongoing on the incident.
Despite the prompt response of the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies, the perpetrators behind the heinous act are yet to be apprehended.
Senator Alli, in his motion, “Motion of Urgent National Importance”, urged the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State government, to establish a committee to investigate the cause of the explosion and propose preventive measures.
Alli urged the National Assembly to direct the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) to provide relief materials to affected victims.
He also urged the federal legislature to call on the Oyo State government to support the reconstruction efforts and conduct integrity tests on structures in the vicinity.
The lawmaker called on the National Assembly to send a high-powered delegation to assess the damage firsthand, while paying condolence visit to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Lekan Balogun and the Oyo State government.
Meanwhile, Alli’s motion and four other motions bordering on insecurity were merged into a collective motion of the 109 senators as a motion of national importance.
The other motions sponsored by some senators bordered on the spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry and robberies across the country.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Senate observed one minute silence in honour of the departed souls.
In solidarity with Nigerians, the Senate called on the Federal Government and security chiefs in the country, to intensify efforts at addressing the incessant security challenges.
It also resolved to invite security chiefs to discuss how the burning national issues would be addressed.
The motion serves as a testament to the Senate’s commitment to addressing the needs of the affected community and preventing future occurrences of such tragic incidents.
