Attempted Dispatch of Unknown Medication Through A Departing Passenger on Ibom Air To Accra By A Pathfinder Staff

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January 17, 2024

The attention of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has been drawn to a video circulating on social media where a supposed staff of the Authority was knelt down and was being slapped by a passenger for trying to use him to traffic drug.

It has been identified that the incident took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at about 1430hrs at gate 2 boarding gate at ITZ2.

The Authority wishes to set the records straight by stating that the officer being manhandled in the video is not a staff of FAAN.

He has been identified as a member of the staff of Pathfinder company.

The employee was said to have approached a passenger to help him convey a parcel through the flight.

When the passenger became skeptical, he raised an alarm, alleging that he was being set up for drug trafficking.

The employee was immediately arrested for questioning by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.

The passenger involved has since departed on Ibom Air to Accra while the medication with the name “NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX ” has been taken to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) for further investigation.

FAAN is dedicated to a drug-free society and has zero tolerance to drug peddling through her airports.

FAAN…Committed to her core values…
Safety! Security!! Comfort!!!

Obiageli Orah ( Mrs)
Director Public Affairs & Consumer Protection

Pan Yoruba Group Tackles Governor Makinde, Says Ibadan Explosion An Act Of Terrorism

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 17, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The tragic Ibadan Explosion which led to loss of lives and properties in Oyo State has been termed an act of Terrorism by Pan Yoruba Group, Apapo O’odua Koya, AOKOYA.

The Group alleged that the explosion which rocked the ancient city was a ‘conscious act of terrorism’, and attacked Governor Seyi Makinde for, allegedly, shying away from the truth as a result of political interest.

AOKOYA in a Statement signed by Col. Abimbola Sowunmi (Rtd) and Ahmed Akorede, President and Secretary of the Group dismissed GovernorMakinde’s claims as fraudulent and driven by ‘political interests.’

It alleged that the pattern of the explosion, the form and the impact show the high possibility of a bomb attack on the heart of Yoruba Nation.

The group said the explosion was a message to Yoruba people that terrorists and Jihadists are ready to invade Yorubaland and wreak havoc.

“Every Yoruba town and village has been invaded by enemies form the North and from the oriental all with the same desire to conquer and destroy Yoruba land and our time tested civilisation”, AOKOYA said.

The group said the choice of Ibadan to the attackers is significant being the political headquarters of the Yoruba nation. AOKOYA said the attackers appeared to have deliberately chosen the anniversary of the 1966 military coup which led to the civil war to remind the Yoruba people that our land will be a battle ground in the imminent war of survival.

AOKOYA said the signs of war and conflict are written all over Nigeria but politicians want to fuel the assumption that there is orderliness and that their wealth and stolen privileges are not threatened.

The Pan Yoruba group said state sponsored intelligence reports are tailored to allay justified panic and to deceive the people that there is no threat to democracy describing it as ‘intelligence report for political convenience.’

The Yoruba self-determination group said President Bola Tinubu was to visit Ibadan in honour of Chief Bisi Akande when the explosives went off.

“We are no fools. Those parroting the theory of a gas explosion are covering up the truth with blatant lies designed to serve political interests. There are no gas stations in the vicinity of the explosion. It is a lie”.

AOKOYA said the other theory of explosion traced to miners is another dishonest plot to cover up the truth. ‘We know that explosives used for mining do not go off prompted by a third party. The explosives can also not go off at the same time. It is not possible that a miner will keep explosives at home to endanger his own life.’ Sowunmi and Akorede said terrorists have been emboldened by the shift of power to the south.

The group said unfortunately, those who inherited the power from Fulani do not know what to do with it while the President surrounds himself with those who are totally detached from the Yoruba cultural and social formations leaving the President with no strong cultural roots among his own people and making him easy target by his stubborn enemies.

“Attack on Ibadan is an act carried out by terrorists, were promoted and armed by the strong network of political and economic class who are in government and entrenched in the security system. Most of the public funds stolen are diverted to terrorists in pursuant of the final stage of the 1804 Jihad”.

It said Nigeria has reached the point of no return adding that only the attainment of O’odua Republic can save Yoruba people.

AOKOYA said the Yoruba are at a disadvantage with the political space taken over by profit seeking crooks who have no sense of history, corrupt and inept and whose primary focus is the primitive accumulation of wealth.

“The option for the Yoruba is for the people to organise and defend themselves by all means necessary. There is no single hope in the current political dealers. They know war is coming and their preparation is to ensure they have their families abroad, steal enough for comfort, and remain in Nigeria with their passports nearby to flee at the earliest chance. The time is limited else, our land shall be invaded sooner than we imagine”.

It however urged Yoruba people at home and abroad to brace up for the war arch enemies are bent on imposing on the people. ‘We are a peace loving people that have seen war and peace for centuries. We cherish peace as against war but if war is imposed in Yoruba people, we shall fight with every pint of our blood and we are sure to win by the power of the creator of heaven and earth.

Update: Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Govt Declares Two Dead, 77 Injured

By

Akinwale Kasali

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January 17, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

A devastated Governor Seyi Makinde is yet to come to terms with the explosion that rocked Bodija Area, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital Tuesday night. Oyo State Government has revealed that two persons lost their lives while a total of 77 others suffered varying degrees of injuries in the explosion.

The Governor made the disclosure when he paid a visit to the scene of the incident to assess the extent of damage.

He said that the explosion, which occurred at about 7:44 p.m., was caused by a cache of explosive devices stored by some illegal miners occupying a residential building in the area.

Makinde, however, said that some of the injured people had been treated and discharged, while pledging that the medical bills of all victims would be paid by government.

He further stated that government would provide temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and support toward rebuilding their lives.

He said that preliminary investigations by security agencies in Oyo State revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija area had stored some explosive devices there which caused the blast.

The governor stated that investigations were ongoing and that anyone found to have been involved in incident would be brought to book.

While urging residents of Oyo state to remain calm, Makinde directed them to call 615 for any emergency they might be experiencing at this time.

He also implored them to stay away from the immediate scene of the incident in Ibadan to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

The governor appreciated the first responders, security personnel and all those who were at the scene to assist with rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

Though a Pan Yoruba Group, Apapo O’odua Koya, AOKOYA, has termed the explosion as a planned attack on the ancient Yoruba State, saying that it is an act of terrorism.

Explosion: Oyo Sets Up Emergency Situation Hub, As Details Of Casualties Unfold

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Ayodele Oni

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January 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

As details of casualties of Tuesday night’s explosion in Oyo State begin to unfold, Government has set up an Emergency Situation Hub to collate and co-ordinate management of victims affected by the explosion that rocked Ibadan Tuesday night.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday, stated that those affected can go to the premises of the Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan.

The Commissioner, who said the situation hub is headed by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, also advised victims to submit verifiable evidences of their losses and seek clarifications on the nature of government intervention.

He explained that temporary accommodation has been organized by the government for those displaced as a result of the explosion, while the State Government will also finance the hospital bills of those injured.

Oyelade confirmed that several victims have started registering at the hub, and are being put through by emergency and disaster experts.

As the investigation continues by the security men, the State Government is narrowing down on the possible cause of the explosion.

The Commissioner said that as a result of new evidences, Government is interrogating certain leads that suggest storage of explosives by illegal miners residing in the area.

During his visit to the scene, Governor Seyi Makinde implored residents of Oyo State to be more sensitive to the goings-on in their environment.

“If you see something, say something”, the Governor emphasized.

Oyelade said the explosion affected some structures of Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the State Secretariat.

He said the impact and venom of the explosion was felt about 15 km apart.

Governor Seyi Makinde had last month deployed massive military land, Air and Intelligence to the Oyo National Park to flush out illegal miners and other criminals.

A Lawyer’s Heart-Shattering Plea To Colleagues Over His Family

By

The Source

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January 17, 2024

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By Gideon Njoku

For Oladosu Folorunso Ariyo, a Lawyer, his world is finished, almost. He is going through the worst nightmare a parent would go through. It is a nightmare one would not wish for one’s worst enemy.

On January 1, 2024, he excitedly ushered-in the New Year with his wife, also a Lawyer, with his four children. But on January 7, the joy was shattered.

At about 7.30pm, gunmen, dressed in Military uniform invaded his home and kidnapped his wife and their children.

Within hours, the abductors called and demanded the sum of N60m for their release. Aghast and confused and devastated, he began to run round to raise the money. Between him and his friends, the sum of Seven million Naira was raised. When the kidnappers called, he told them he had the sum of N7m to give them. He pleaded with them for mercy.

That infuriated them. And to show him how insulted they felt by his “small” offer, they took the eldest of the four children, 13- year old Michelle, killed her, and dumped her body along the road.

Presently, Barrister Ariyo is going through indescribable agony. He is completely traumatized. The gunmen have promised to kill his other children and wife one after the other if the N60m is not delivered to them.

With no hope, so far, that the gunmen will be tracked down and his wife and children rescued, Ariyo has desperately written a heart rending letter to the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association, his Colleagues, and appealed to them to help him save the lives of his wife and remaining three children.

In the letter addressed to them, he recounted his ordeal since January 7, 2024, and pleaded with them for help.

The letter reads:

“Dear Learned Silks, Seniors & Colleagues,

“Most respectfully, I’m Oladosu Folorunso Ariyo, a lawyer working in Abuja. On Sunday evening the 7th of January 2024, arround 7:30 pm, a band of kidnappers dressed in full military camon invaded my home located at Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, Abuja.

“They kidnapped my wife (who is also a lawyer) and our four children. The kidnappers called and demanded for 60 million ransom out of which through generous donation of friends and family, I’ve been able to raise the sum of N7 million naira which they have vehemently refused to collect.

“As at today, they’ve killed my first born- Michelle Ariyo ( age 13) and dumped her corpse on Kaduna road while threatening to kill my 3 remaining children (who are all minors) and wife who are still in captivity.

“PLEASE AND PLEASE SIR, I URGENTLY NEED THE INTERVENTION OF NBA.”

It is not known if there has been any response from the NBA.

Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has suddenly become a danger zone, unsafe, a no-go-area. Gunmen are not only picking residents off the streets and roads, they are invading Estates and picking people, whole families, from their homes.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has come under fire from some shocked residents and Nigerians. They say while he is engrossed in Rivers State politics, FCT, is burning. But at a Securty meeting he presided over on Monday, Wike pushed it back to Council Chairmen. He accused them of constant travels instead of doing the job for which they were elected into office.

On Tuesday, a shocked and embarrassed President Bola Tinubu held a security to find a way out of the terrifying situation. The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, also summoned a meeting of the top echelon of the Police for a solution.

Nothing has come out of the meetings. It is the usual assurances which not a few people have dismissed as empty.

Until Security Agencies put their acts together, Barrister Ariyo will continue to pine away and die gradually over the death of his 13 year old daughter, and the fate of his wife and three remaining children. And so will Mr Al-Kadriyar whose six daughters were kidnapped.

He was kidnapped with them from their home in the Bwari Area, Abuja. While he was released to go and source for the sum of N60m for the release of his children, the kidnappers killed the eldest of his daughters, Nabeeba, a 400 level student of ABU.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Gear Up For Côte d’ Ivoire Hurdle, Team Optimistic Of Victory

By

Akinwale Kasali

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January 17, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles have put behind their shambolic display in the opening match draw with the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea. They are gearing up for their Thursday encounter with African Cup of Nations Host, Elephants of Côte d’ Ivoire.

The AFCON 2023 Host, who are also two-time champions of the continental competition, will look to book an early Round of 16 ticket by defeating Nigeria at the newly-built Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, while three-time champions and podium appearance-leaders Nigeria, joint-second on the group A log, are determined to wrestle all the points and enhance their prospects of a slot in the knockout rounds.

Defender William Troost Ekong, who led out the squad on Sunday, has appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to keep supporting the team as they seek for all three points against the hosts on their own turf on Thursday evening.

“We went all out to pick the three points against Equatorial Guinea, but it didn’t happen. We live to fight another day. From our side, we are appealing to Nigerians from all over the world to keep supporting and believing in the team. Our objective is to first reach the knockout rounds and then we push strongly from there.”

Nigeria created opportunity after opportunity against the Thunder, but poor finishing ensured a 1-1 draw and share of the spoils on Sunday afternoon.

Coach José Peseiro has been provided with options in the fore with the arrivals of Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi, and the camp believes strongly that the team that scored 22 goals in qualifying (more than any other team in the series) could start firing better on Sunday.

“We expect a tough game because the Ivorians are the hosts and they are also top of our group. But we have our aspirations as well and we believe in ourselves,” defender Kenneth Omeruo said on Monday.

Half of the squad spent Monday morning in the gym before the evening training session, which was open to the media.

The stature of Thursday’s encounter has been enhanced by current realities around the two teams, but it was always going to be a game to behold since the draw was made, as matches between both countries at senior level have been furious and feisty on the terrain, and even outside it.

Both countries first clashed at the Africa Cup of Nations when Nigeria hosted in 1980. The encounter at the National Stadium, Surulere ended scoreless, and it was Nigeria’s second game (as it will be on Thursday) of the tournament. The Eagles had to defeat Egypt in their third match to qualify for the semi finals (in which they pipped Morocco 1-0) to make progress, and eventually win the trophy for the first time.

Ten years later, both countries again clashed in the group phase, with Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scoring the match’s only goal after just three minutes in Annaba. The Eagles eventually made it to the Final, losing 0-1 to the host nation, Algeria.

In 1994, both teams clashed in the semi-finals at the Stade El Menzah in Tunis. It ended in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, with petite Michel Bassole scoring for the Ivorians and Yekini and Benedict Iroha netting for Nigeria. Yekini scored the winning penalty for the Eagles, and Nigeria notched her second crown by defeating Zambia 2-1 in the Final

In 2006, both teams met in the semi-finals in Alexandria, with the Ivorians running away 1-0 winners. Two years later, the Ivorians were again 1-0 winners after Salomon Kalou scored the only goal in a group phase encounter in the Ghanaian city of Sekondi.

In 2013, on their way to a third triumph, the Eagles edged the Elephants 2-1 in a quarter-final like no other at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Emmanuel Emenike and Sunday Mba scored for Nigeria.

In-between, there have been FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, the most memorable of which remain the two matches between both teams in the race to USA 1994.

In Abidjan on 2nd May, 1993, Yekini scored after only five minutes, but Abdoulaye Traore and Ibrahim Ouattara got the goals that gave the Elephants victory at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. In Lagos four months later, goals by Yekini (a brace), Daniel Amokachi and Thompson Oliha handed Nigeria a 4-1 win. The Eagles went ahead to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals.

Oyedele To Tinubu: Tackle Poverty With N8trn Savings From Subsidy Removal

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 17, 2024

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Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has disclosed that N8 trillion will be saved annually from petrol subsidy removal and forex exchange unification.

On his inauguration as Nigeria’s leader on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced an end to the multi-billion naira petrol subsidy, saying the government could no longer bear the burden of subsidizing the item.

The government later end the subsidy on the naira exchange to the dollar by unifying the forex market.

Analysts insist that huge funds have been saved from the policies after months of implementation.

Oyedele however called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure that the savings from the two policies are channeled on programmes that will have positive effects on Nigerians.

He spoke during an event organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to analyse the 2024 Budget, saying that Nigerians have made a huge sacrifice due to the removal of subsidy on petrol and foreign exchange.

Oyedele said, “The Nigerian people made sacrifices as a result of the fuel subsidy removal of the government; that is N4tn savings a year. We did naira floatation. It is not perfect. We are also saving another N4tn. So we are having about roughly N8tn transferred from the private pockets of the people to the government.

“So, what we are saying to the government is — can we be intentional in spending this N8tn to make sure that it impacts the people most positively? Starting with the multidimensional poverty. why is it that more than 133 million people in Nigeria are living in multidimensional poverty? So these are the conversations we are having now. We want to build a platform where we can track how these monies are being spent.”

Not a few Nigerians have lamented that they are yet to feel the impact of the money saved from the removal of subsidies from the two items despite government promise that such would be channeled to critical areas in the economy capable of transforming the economy to better life for Nigerians.

Edo Guber: APC Chair Resigns, Joins Race

By

James Orji

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January 17, 2024

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The chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo state Col. David Imuse (rtd) has resigned from his position.

His resignation was contained in a memo Imuse dated January 16 and made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.

According to the former chairman, he resigned in other to contest for the governorship election slated for September this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Citing relevant section of the APC constitution, Article 31(2) (iii), Imuse stated that his resignation would enable him to contest the party sole governorship ticket with other aspirants.

Part of the statement said: “This is born out of my desire to enable me to get myself in the state of readiness to contest the next gubernatorial election in the state which is slated for the 21st of September 2024.

“I want to sincerely thank every member of this great party most especially, the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee for this rare opportunity given to me to serve at the Apex Office of the party in Edo State.”

Instructively, Imuse has now joined a slew of other APC aspirants, who are aspiring to succeed governor Godwin Obaseki.

State Of The Nation: Nigeria’s Sharia Council Regrets Backing Muslim-Muslim Ticket

By

James Orji

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January 17, 2024

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The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, SCSN, has expressed regrets for supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket which brought President Bola Ahmed to power.

According to the prominent Islamic organization, its belief that the All Progressives Congress, APC, same faith presidential ticket would bring progress to the country has been shattered.

More than seven months after coming to power, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kasim Shettima has failed to bring the needed change, SCSN said.

Sheikh AbdurRasheed Hadiyyatullah, the president of SCSN told journalists during a National Conference held in Abuja, the nation’s capital said it backed the same faith ticket in the belief that it would lead to the transformation of the country.

The group however said the situation in the country has since gone from bad to worse since the party came to power in May last year, stressing that the actions of the government so far indicate that it has no interest of the masses at heart.

“We are not making any progress,” Hadiyyatulah said, adding that ‘we have not enjoyed anything since seven months of this government”.

According to the Islamic leader, Hadiyyatulah, “The Nigeria of today is too bad. What we are buying at N200 before is N2000 now. We have scarcity of Naira and unemployment is escalating. Nigerians are not enjoying the new government at all.

“I don’t want to go personal but the Sharia Council helped the Muslim-Muslim ticket to be successful. We campaigned and supported this government until it came to power, but we are suffering.

“Some of the Ministers are siphoning and looting the treasury. I don’t want to mention any names, but we have all seen and read it. Nigerians have been suffering since the last seven months when this government came to power.

“We are not making any progress. The reason for the Muslim-Muslim ticket was to progress, triumph, succeed and to have a good government, but we didn’t have anything.

“See how Nigerians are suffering. No money. No progress. We have not enjoyed anything since seven months of this government.

“We are sympathetic with this government, but the way forward is for some of these Ministers to go home and rest, and we will find other people who will be honest with themselves and the country, those who are there to work, not to loot the country.”

Recall that the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket had caused a serious furore ahead the 2023 presidential election, as many Nigerians expressed reservations over APC’s choice, insisting that the party was trying to polarize the country.

Both Tinubu and Shettima are muslims.

Ibadan Black Tuesday: Makinde Blames Illegal Miners For Deadly Blast

By

James Orji

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January 17, 2024

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has revealed that illegal miners operating in the state caused the explosion which occurred in the state last night.

The state helmsman made this known to journalists after inspecting the site of the blast in Bodija, Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.

So far, two persons have been reported dead as a result of the incident, while other persons who received first degree injuries are now being treated at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan.

Many buildings were also damaged as a result of the impact of the explosion, eyewitnesses to the blast said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the site of the explosion yesterday night, Governor Makinde stated that some illegal miners had stored explosives in one of the buildings that led to the blast.

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate “that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija” stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the blast, the governor said.

The state helmsman later posted on his X handle that temporary accommodation had now been provided to the victims, while those injured are now being treated at the UCH.

The governor called on the residents of the state to remain calm, stressing that the government is on top of the situation. He stated further that

According to Makinde, “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all-needed assistance to the injured. We have visited ,UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured,” the governor said.