The Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, has disclosed that the victims of the explosion that happened at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday night, do not need blood transfusion.
Ajetunmobi disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, in reaction to the rumour that the hospitals administered blood transfusion on some victims.
Speaking on part of the measure put in place, she noted that as soon the explosion happened, the Oyo State government ordered some of the hotels in the state to accommodate the victims temporarily.
Ajetunmobi also explained that some of the victims who sustained injuries were taken to the hospital for treatment, adding that some of them have been discharged except those who were severely affected.
“The government has already put many measures in place. As yesterday when the incident happened, some people were asked to stay in different hotels in town. The hotels were ordered to accommodate them temporarily while effort is ongoing as to know the next line of action for those that lost properties or houses and they don’t have anywhere to stay or probably don’t have family here in Ibadan.
“So those plans have been on the ground since Yesterday. Some victims were taken to different hospitals and they were taken care of. Some were discharged yesterday because they have minor injuries. Those badly injured are the ones still in admission.
When asked about the rumor that some of victims needed blood transfusion if they were able to get donors, Ajetumobi said, “There was nothing like that. I didn’t hear about any blood transfusion. They only have injuries but they are not transfused. They only asked them to do some checks to know the next line of action as far as the treatment is concerned.
“No news of people running helter skelter for blood transfusion. Even if that occurred we have blood in the National Blood Transfusion Service that they can take from but nothing like such”, she added.
The State Governor, Makinde in a statement while reacting to the incident said, “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace, and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
During his visit to the site and hospitals treating the injured, he said, “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to the book.”
While assuring the he take the financial burden on the victims, Makinde said, “I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government.”
He stated further that temporary accommodation will be provided for those whose houses were affected, with support to help them rebuild their lives.
