The Federal Government has given security agencies two weeks to review the report on the tragic mining explosion that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, to put closure to the incident and develop a blueprint on how to secure the nation’s natural resources going forward.

This was the outcome of yesterday’s expanded presidential inter-ministerial committee meeting with service chiefs across all security agencies and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja. The inter-ministerial committee on the Ibadan explosion is chaired by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu at last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, established an inter-ministerial committee to draw up a blueprint for securing the country’s natural resources, including solid minerals, forests, and marine economy. The committee held its maiden meeting last Friday.

At yesterday’s expanded meeting, the Federal Government stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies, local communities, and relevant stakeholders in curbing illegal activities and ensuring the safety of mining operations.

Alake emphasised that ensuring a safe and secure environment for miners and mining activities is of paramount importance to the government’s development agenda and pledged to work closely with the relevant security agencies to address these challenges effectively.

Expressing his concern over the security challenges in the mining sector, the Minister said: “I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the current situation in Ibadan, although we are still awaiting the final forensic analysis report from the various security and intelligence agencies.

“We have gathered technical experts, including officials from the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry of Solid Minerals, to thoroughly investigate the incident. Numerous fragments, documents, and other pieces of evidence were collected from the site, which need to be scientifically analysed before an authentic report can be released.

“In the light of the gravity of this situation, we have expanded our efforts by including critical security agencies in our discussions. Their presence here today represents the collective expertise required to address this issue effectively.

“After extensive deliberation, we have agreed that the security agencies, as experts in this field, will develop a comprehensive plan to secure our natural resources in mineral sites, forests, and the marine economy. I am pleased to say that everyone in attendance agrees with this strategy.

“We have planned to reconvene in two weeks’ time to review the security agencies’ proposed plan, which will include the formation of any necessary outfits or units. This meeting will provide an opportunity for further discussion and ensure that our actions are aligned for the best possible outcome in line with the Presidential mandate. The security agencies, the service chiefs, NSA’s office, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) are going to form a smaller committee to give us the workplan, execution modalities and we will be meeting in another fortnight,” the Minister added.

Present at the meeting were Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass lawal; Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Gboyega Oyetola; Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru: Interior Minister, Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo; and his Police Affairs (state) counterpart, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Security agencies were represented by Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi; representatives of Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval staff, Air-Vice Marshall Abdulkadir Abubakar and Rear Admiral I. Abbas, respectively among others.

MEANWHILE, the Oyo State government has set up a platform to receive public donations for victims of the deadly explosion that rocked Ibadan on January 16. Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday said the donations would go directly to the landlords and resident associations’ bank account.

The governor had stated that a preliminary inquiry found that the explosion was caused by explosives placed in a residence occupied by illegal miners in the city’s Bodija neighbourhood.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor said: “We have also set up a platform for donations to victims. The money donated goes directly to the Landlords/Residents Association’s bank account while our administration will work with them to ensure it is distributed to the right beneficiaries.

“Residents of Oyo State are once again reminded to call 615 free of charge if they see anything untoward in their communities. Remember, if you see something, say something and the authorities will act on your report.”

The governor said the structural integrity tests on buildings in the area were still ongoing. Appreciating the efforts of various agencies and individuals, Makinde said: “Let me start by thanking all those who took part in the search and rescue operations at Ground Zero over the past week, especially our first responders from OYSEMA, medical workers and security agencies.

“I would also like to reiterate our administration’s commitment to ensuring that the victims get justice. We are still collating details of those affected and we will announce comprehensive steps our government will take to support the victims to rebuild their lives .

“We appreciate the team from the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA), who took measurements at the epicentre and found only normal background radiation doses.

“Also, we thank the geologists from the University of Ibadan led by two Professors who are taking the seismic measurements from the epicentre. The structural integrity tests on buildings around Ground Zero are still ongoing.” (The Guardian)

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