By Adeyinka Adeniran
Families of victims, survivors and those who lost property in the explosion that rocked Bodija area of Ibadan, about two years ago, have called on Governor Seyi Makinde not to return the N30 billion sent to the state by the Federal Government.
In the stead, the residents urged the government to deploy the money to support those who are still hurting and not even used entirely for roads or other projects.
The President, Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Dr Muyiwa Bamgbose made the appeal in a remark at the an interdenominational service to mark the second year remembrance of the Bodija explosion.
The Nation reports that the explosion rocked the Dejo Oyelese area of the Esatate on January 16th, 2024 leaving in its trail, the death of five people, several others injured and property with hundreds of millions of Naira destroyed.
However, the dust was recent raised when the issue of the released fund became a subject of political discuss with a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, revealing that N50 billion was released by the FG to support the victims.
But, the state government said only N30 billion was released, adding that the said sum is still intact in the bank as it await the release of the remaining N20 billion.
Speaking at the event which was organised in conjunction with Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), Bamgbose while appealing to the residents, particularly the victims, thanked the government for the support so far, but said the people whose cost of compensation were drastically reduced due to paucity of funds at the time of the incident should be positively considered, now that more money is available for use by the state government.
Bamgnose said, “I have to appeal to our people. There are families who lost loved ones and, as we speak, they have not received anything. There are also people who started rebuilding their houses but have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds.
“I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact.
“However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our appeal, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition. They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings.
“There is no way anything we do can completely remove the scar; the scar will always be there. But it should not be something that will cause them to continue in sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is.
“We are appealing to the people to remain calm, and we are also appealing to the government that now that funds are available, they should not be returned or used entirely for roads or other projects. The people who are hurting should be supported.”
Speaking on behalf of the governor Seyi Makinde at the event, the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Demola Omotoso expressed gratitude and empathy for the victims of the incident that occurred on January 16, 2024.
He added that the government acknowledges the incident was unfortunate and unplanned, and it has been working tirelessly to provide support and alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Hr noted that from the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum, adding that the government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from.
Omotosho said, “I praise God that we are all here today. The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen. When such things happen, the Word of God says that in everything we should give thanks. God is still God in spite of all that happened, and there are still reasons to give thanks.
“As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured, and people were accommodated over a period of time. Many measures were put in place to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the people at that time.
“Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones. We will continue to show empathy, and our prayer is that God will comfort all of us, particularly those who lost loved ones or property. This is also why His Excellency believes our presence here is part of showing empathy to the people.
“From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from. This remains an ongoing process. What has been released, what will still be released, and what is currently ongoing are all part of government efforts.
“Roads and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and these actions show that the people affected are our people. The lives lost were citizens and indigenes of Oyo State, and the governor is a father to all.
“We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people.
“The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people. This is a government that is alive and responsive. We are not playing politics with the lives of the people, and we will never do so.
“Where we are now is not where it will stop. The government is still going to do more. We have done more than enough, and even with what we have done, we are determined to do more. Until we see smiles on the faces of the people, we are not done yet.”
