In recent developments, residents of Ibadan have pointed fingers at Sawane Youssouf, a Malian involved in illegal mining activities in Oyo State, as the mastermind behind the trsgic explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese close, Bodija Housing Estate, on Tuesday.
The incident resulted in two confirmed deaths, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSawane Youssouf, the alleged perpetrator and owner of the house where the explosions originated, has been a controversial figure in the region. Numerous accusations of illegal dealings had been levied against him in the past, though he vehemently denied them in a 2020 interview.
Despite being a figurative smoking gun with a history of suspicion, authorities failed to delve deeper into these allegations, potentially missing an opportunity to avert the tragic consequences that unfolded.
READ ALSO:Expose Illegal Miners Behind Ibadan Explosion- Sowore
Residents on the street where the incident occurred claim that Sawane Youssouf had been residing in the building for several years. While some were aware of his involvement in illegal mining activities, few suspected that he harbored explosives within his residence.
Witnesses reported that Youssouf and his family vacated the premises before the explosion, displaying a foreknowledge of the impending disaster. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed, “He is from Mali. But I don’t know that he was keeping such explosives in the house. We know him to be a Malian. Everyone knows that he is doing illegal mining.” The source further disclosed that Youssouf and his family, sensing danger, evacuated the premises promptly.
Another long-time resident in the area expressed reluctance among the community to speak out due to fear of potential reprisals.
The resident asserted that many houses in the vicinity were predominantly occupied by Malians, raising concerns about the extent of infiltration in the neighbourhood.
Further investigation revealed that Youssouf had previously faced a petition from residents in his former residence, prompting him to relocate. The petition, allegedly related to his involvement in illegal mining activities, forced him to abandon his earlier abode.
Documents pertaining to this petition were unfortunately destroyed in the explosion, leaving a trail of shattered evidence in its wake.
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