As Concerned Patriots from Edo State we wish to note with utmost concern the explosion that took place along Akure – Owo Road in the early hours of Saturday 28th March , 2020.
While we sincerely empathize with the government and people of Ondo State particularly those whose lives and property were affected by the unfortunate incidence we are alarmed that the Lorry conveying the explosives was said to have been transporting the cargo to a storage facility in the neighbouring State with full compliments of security escorts.
Edo State is the only neighbouring and immediate state to Ondo State through Akure Owo road and we are wondering what storage facility could the transporters be taking those dangerous explosives to in Edo State at this time when the nation is under lockdown and Movement of persons and materials are restricted.
Besides, we are alarmed as to the rationale behind transporting same to our state given the heightened political tension that have pervaded the state shortly before the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Consequently, we are calling on the Inspector General Police, Director General of the State Security Services and the Nigerian Military to unravel the entirety of the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the explosives with a view to ascertaining the following:
- Who is the owner of the Lorry and the explosives it was conveying?
- What was the exact destination of the lorry together with the cargo it was conveying?
- What was the purpose of the explosives been conveyed 4. Why was it necessary to have security escort for the Lorry and the cargo as affirmed by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police.
- Who were the police escorts and who assigned them for that assignment
- How many other explosives have been moved before this unfortunate incident unknown to the public?
These and many more questions are begging for answers and at this time of National emergency it will be a patriotic duty to unravel this strange and unfortunate incidence particular as the security of lives and property are the ultimate purpose of any government under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
We also call on Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to see to the proper investigation of this incidence so as to allay the fears of the citizens of both Ondo and Edo States which are due to have governorship elections later in the year.
Long Live Edo State
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria
(Signed)
Hon Samson Osagie ( Covener)
Hon Thomas Okosun ( Co- Covener