Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially inaugurated a committee to oversee the management and disbursement of relief funds for victims of the Bodija explosion. The governor emphasized the importance of transparency in delivering support to those affected by the tragic incident.

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, the governor tasked the 10-member committee with ensuring that the relief funds are properly allocated to individuals who suffered property losses in the January 16, 2024 explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan. Investigations revealed that the explosion resulted from the illegal storage of mining devices.

Governor Makinde clarified that the assistance being provided is not compensation but rather support for affected individuals. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to doing the right thing for the people of Oyo State. Additionally, the governor announced plans to repair the road leading to the explosion site and erect a monument in remembrance of the incident.

The governor expressed gratitude to professional bodies that collaborated with the state during the aftermath of the explosion and urged the committee to work efficiently, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

The committee, chaired by Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, includes notable figures such as former Deputy Governor Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Alhaji Gafar Bello, and Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, among others. Representatives from professional associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and Nigerian Society of Engineers, are also part of the committee.

Prominent attendees at the inauguration included former Oyo State Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, and Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi. Other dignitaries included retired CP Fatai Owoseni, Oyo State PDP Secretary Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, Chief Wole Oyelese, and Hon. Sikiru Sanda, along with several commissioners and senior government officials.

A viral video shared on X.com on Tuesday captured the dramatic moment a train collided with a Sienna car in the Iju-Fagba area of Lagos State. The vehicle was reportedly packed with bags of rice.

As of the time of this report, there have been no confirmed casualties.

This incident brings to mind a tragic collision from a year ago when at least three lives were lost and several others were injured in a crash involving a Lagos State staff bus and a commercial train along Agege Motor Road. Investigations at the time revealed that reckless driving by the BRT bus driver, who attempted to outrun the train at a traffic signal, caused the fatal accident as the train plowed into the bus.

The latest collision serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of caution at railway crossings

Train Rams into Vehicle at Fagba, Lagos

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The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) arrested 49 individuals during an overnight raid in Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The raid, which took place on Monday night, was part of efforts to enhance security and maintain order in the areas.

According to a statement from the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the operation targeted key locations such as Idowu Martins, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Akin Adesola, Samuel Manuwa, Muri Okunola, Ajose Adeogun, Lugard Avenue, and Macdonald Road. The raid resulted in the arrest of 49 miscreants involved in illegal activities.

Wahab highlighted that the operation was in line with the ongoing efforts of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps to ensure a secure and well-ordered city. He expressed satisfaction that the patrols have had a positive impact on the affected areas, with calm gradually returning to Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

He encouraged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help build safer communities. “Your continued cooperation is vital,” he said, urging everyone to contribute to maintaining peace and security in Lagos.