Massive bomb explosion hits Owo, Akure

OWO, Ondo, Nigeria – Fear has griped residents of Owo in Akure, following a massive bomb explosion which hit the area earlier today. Residents say the area was physicaly shaken, houses shattered to their foundation with many running for dear life.

It is not clear if there are casualties so far in the bomb explosion.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu who has visited the scene said he has 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.

He said security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke from the vehicle but that 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.

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“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”, he said, adding “I see many people wish this Akure incidence was a meteor.

“Although the conspiracy theory sounds intriguing, we thank God this wasn’t the case, else we would be hearing about multiple impact zones and a lot of fatalities.

“We understand that this is taking place in the midst of a global crisis. We ask that everyone continues to stay calm, stay safe and continue to #TakeResponsibility in this #COVID19Nigeria fight”, the governor said,

He added that 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”, he said and that everything is under control and that he will be updating the public on any new developments.