By Ayo Kehinde
Governor Akeredolu in face mask at the scene of the incident
The early Saturday morning explosion that rocked part on Akure, the Ondo State capital in Southwestern Nigeria was caused by a faulty vehicle transporting explosives for security personnel, Governor Oluwarotimi AkeredoluI has said.
The explosion which left over 50 houses destroyed and a large crater that buried the vehicle and some of its consignments.
According to Akeredolu who visited the scene of the explosion, “I have been briefed by the security chiefs that in the early hours of Saturday March 28th, a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo Road about 2km from the Akure Airport.
“Security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke emitting 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.
He added in a statement signed by him that 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.”
