Gov Akeredolu says Akure explosion was caused by a vehicle transporting explosives

Following a blast that destroyed about 100 houses in Akure on Saturday morning, the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has said that the explosion was caused by a vehicle transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state.

The governor in a statement said the vehicle developed a fault while in transit and its consignment subsequently ignited causing a massive explosion at, Eleyowo, a community that is said to be less than a kilometre to Akure Airport.

Pulse had earlier reported that the explosion destroyed about one hundred houses, churches and a school with boarding facilities.

He said, “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. 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”.