By Oluseye Ojo
In the wake of a devastating explosion that rocked the city of Ibadan, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has expressed its deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims and their families.
The tragic incident left Bodija and the entire Ibadan community reeling, but the NUJ stands in solidarity with those affected, including three of its own members whose houses were impacted.
The Council decried the immense loss of lives and property, caused by the explosion and offered unwavering support to the victims’ families.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Ademola Babalola, and the Secretary, Olusola Oladapo, the Council lauded the State Governor, Seyi Makinde for providing immediate assistance and relief to the affected families through provision of shelter for them in some hotels in the city.
As the voice of the media in Oyo State, the NUJ emphasised the importance of thorough investigations into the cause of the explosion.
The union called on the government to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It said that the safety and well-being of the residents of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole should be a top priority, saying “no stone should be left unturned to ensure justice and prevent future occurrence of this unfortunate but avoidable incident”.
The NUJ encouraged journalists whose houses were affected to be strong, just as it urged media organisations to report on the incident responsibly, providing accurate and timely information to the public.
The union also called for unity amongst journalists, urging them to support one another and collaborate in disseminating information that promotes safety, awareness, and community resilience.
In conclusion, the NUJ reiterated its heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by the Ibadan explosion.
“Together, as a community, we can overcome this tragedy, while working towards a safer and more secure environment for all. We have equally sent intelligence reports we garnered through our investigations to the Governor and relevant security agencies to launch manhunt on other suspected offices of the prime suspect and company linked to the unfortunate incident,” it said.