Oyo CPN Visits Epicenter Of Ibadan Explosion, Offers To Provide Psychosocial Support For Victims
Child Protection Network Oyo State, has strongly condemned the nefarious activities of those whose selfish and unlawful actions caused the explosion that led to wanton destruction of lives and property in Ibadan.
In a statement made available to newsarena.ng in Ibadan by the state coordinator of the network, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe, the network made the condemnation during it’s visit to the epicenter of the blast.
The network said it was willing to provide psychosocial support and therapy for children traumatized by the incident directly or by the loss of property and lives of their parents, grandparents, and guardians.
The statement reads in part:
“The Child Protection Network Oyo State, a brainchild UNICEF, commiserates with the families who lost loved ones, those who sustained injuries particularly children, and those who lost property during the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street in the Adeyi Area of Old Bodija, Ibadan on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.
“The Network is a coalition of government ministries, departments and agencies, and civil society organizations (CSOs) comprising faith-based organizations (FBOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
“The Network fosters cordial relationship between CSOs, relevant government ministries, departments and agencies and professional bodies for better protection of Oyo State children against all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse.
“The Network hereby strongly condemns the nefarious activities of those whose selfish and unlawful actions caused the explosion that led to wanton destruction of lives and property.
“Children are usually the most vulnerable in times of crises and disasters and should receive appropriate attention to help them overcome the trauma that the effect of the explosion may have on them and their families.
“Members of our network are willing to provide psychosocial support and therapy for children traumatized by the incident directly or by the loss of property and lives of their parents, grandparents, and guardians.
“Child Protection Network recognizes the efforts of the Oyo State Government and all relevant agencies, CSOs, corporate bodies and individuals who have been working tirelessly to provide relief to victims of this incident. We appeal that the government and all actors prioritize care and support for involved children in the implementation of stated interventions.
“Having visited the site of the explosion, two of the offices of our members that were affected, the Bodija Explosion Emergency Situation Hub as well as two schools around the vicinity of the explosion on Monday, 22nd January, 2024, we would like to call on the government to ensure that proper investigations are carried out to ascertain the cause of the explosion, bring the offenders to book and prevent a future occurrence.
“We call for extreme vigilance among residents within our communities in Ibadan, Oyo State and in our nation at large in order to ensure security and safety of all citizens as well as safeguard our children.
“We pray for healing for those who suffered emotional and physical injuries, and fortitude for those who lost loved ones and properties.
