The explosion which rocked Akure, Ondo state capital was caused by a vehicle moving improvised explosive devices to a nearby state, says State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Recall that the explosion which occurred in the early hours of Saturday split the Akure-Owo Road into two, destroying over 50 buildings.
Akeredolu, explained that the vehicle was in a convoy heading to a storage facility in a neighbouring state when it broke down along the Akure-Owo Road, some 2km to the Akure Airport.
The governor said the explosion, which destroyed over 50 buildings, happened in the process of fixing the vehicle.
According to him, “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 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.
“Presently, efforts are being made to ascertain if there are casualties.
“I have instructed the State Ministry for Works to commence the rehabilitation of the alternate route, a rural road through Iluabo, due to the importance of the Akure-Owo Road. We will also engage the Federal Government on how to fast track the repair of the damaged portion.
“Everything is under control and I will be updating the public on any new developments.”
