BEVERLY HILLS, March 28, (THEWILL) – A loud blast rocked Akure, the Ondo State capital early Saturday morning but the cause of the explosion as well as casualties remained unclear.
According to reports, the explosion, which occurred around 1a.m, shook the entire city and destroyed several homes and buildings.
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in a tweet said, “I’ve been briefed by security agencies in the state concerning the loud blast that was heard in Akure. I will be at the scene to assess on the advise of heads of our security agencies. I ask that all citizens remain calm as we ascertain details of the incidence.”
After his visit to the scene, Akeredolu wrote:
“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.”
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