Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, has ordered the rehabilitation of an alternate route to Akure-Owo road that was damaged by a blast which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, leaving many injured and properties destroyed.
In a series of tweet after visiting the scene of the explosion, the governor said his administration would also engage the federal government on how to fast track repairs on the damaged part of the road.
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. pic.twitter.com/3EnmmQBd1E
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/LNIb83ZSAf
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
The Governor instructed that the Ministry for Works in the state to rehabilitate the alternate route, a rural road through Iluabo, another community close to the Akure, due to the importance of the Akure-Owo Road that the explosion destroyed.
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. pic.twitter.com/5VIdiBJ8KZ
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
He added that the state is yet to ascertain the casualties involved in the blast and the explosive ordinance department/bomb squad have been directed to extricate the vehicle carrying the explosives buried underground.
Presently, 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… pic.twitter.com/aohdC1Rf7C
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
…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.
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020
See photos of affected places below;
See photos of Governor Akeredolu’s visitation below;
