Nigerians are urging both federal and state governments to institute a probe into the deadly blast in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday which preliminary investigation has linked to illegal mining activities carried out by Malian nationals. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was caused by the explosives used by the illegal miners, resulting in several casualties and widespread damage.
Affected local residents have called for government action to address the illegal mining problem and expel the Malians from the area. Some have also called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations to prevent future tragedies.
SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited was identified on social media as the company that stored explosives at the building where the incident occurred. Swane Youssouf was also identified as the CEO of the company.
SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited was incorporated in Ibadan, Nigeria with Registration Number 511184. It was registered on 17 May 2004 and its current status is unknown. Company’s registered office address is NW6/96, Aintola Street,Ibadan, Oyo State. The other key management personnel of the company include Darame Ibraima, Yattara Ibrahim, Bakare Hakeem Oladimeji, and Ajisafe Olaide
A social media commentator on Nairaland, Almustaqim said “I can authoritatively inform you that the explosion in Ibadan is the handiwork of a Malian immigrant engaged in mining operations in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State. His name is Sawane Youssouf.
“He has been stockpiling explosives in a house (unknown if he owns it or if he rented it) for years. These explosives he stored for the purpose of his extensive mining business. How he was able to do that in a residential estate with few eyebrows raised is a failure of intelligence at both government and community levels.
“To think the location is just a stone’s throw from the Government Secretariat is damning. His own negligent stupidity as well as government taciturn approach to security of lives and properties have caused unnecessary deaths, injuries and property damage.”
Meanwhile, Sawane has formerly stated in the past that he is not an illegal miner in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune
He said: “I have been dealing with precious stones in Nigeria for over 30 years. I was elected president in 2016. I started this business as a messenger and gradually became a master. I have traversed all the areas of the business. With my experience in this business over the years, it has contributed to the economy of Nigeria directly and indirectly.”
On Wednesday, Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde admitted the negligence of the neighborhood to report illegal miners to law enforcement agencies. He also stated that all explosives found in Oyo State would be immediately given to the military.
President Bola Tinubu, through a release issued on Wednesday by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, expresses his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State.
“It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” Ajuri said.
Tolu Ogunlesi, a media aide to former president Muhammadu Bihari reacted to this incident on his X handle saying, “I know that ONSA polices explosives in Nigeria, and have done an excellent job with curbing IEDs/VBEDs/suicide bombings in northeast and northwest Nigeria. It’s time now to shift the focus to mining/quarrying operations.”
