The political party also demanded adequate compensation for the victims of the explosion.
The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has demanded full-scale investigation into the bloody explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday night.
The SPN Oyo State chapter made the demand on Thursday in a statement issued by its State Secretary, Ayodeji Adigun, while sympathising with the victims and relatives of the explosion in which three persons have been confirmed while about 80 others were injured.
The political party also demanded adequate compensation for the victims of the explosion.
“This explosion was quite unfortunate given the magnitude of its devastating impact on the lives and properties around and outside the immediate perimeter where it occurred.”
The SPN faulted the statement and conclusion of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who claimed that preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion was caused by explosives stored in one of the houses in the area by illegal miners.
According to SPN, “It is too hasty for the governor to have pinned the cause of the explosion to the alleged activities of illegal miners without any open and credible investigation, especially while nothing can be ruled out.
“As far as we are concerned, only democratic and scientific investigation can provide a reliable insight into what caused the disaster.
“These are the basis for our call for an independent and democratic investigation into the cause of the explosion including the extent and gravity of its impact.
“This should also include effort to identify and compile a list of individuals near and far beyond the immediate perimeter of the incident who are affected.
“This is to ensure that adequate humanitarian aid and succor are provided for all victims without any form of discrimination and bias.
“Except this is done, there is a danger that the humanitarian provision will only be limited and restricted to victims who have connections with people in government either at the state or federal level while others without such privilege are likely to suffer neglect.
“Unfortunately, given the pro-capitalist and corrupt character of the Makinde-led government in the state, we are strongly in doubt if it can ever be entrusted with this kind of responsibility.”
The party maintained that “Nigeria has a sordid history of this sort of probe not leading to any serious outcome when left alone to the government.
“It is in light of this that we call on the leadership of trade unions like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and ASUU, civil societies like the Joint Action Front (JAF), religious groups including community organisations in the state to commence the process of carrying out an independent investigation into the cause and extent of the impact of the explosion, including a full compilation of the list of victims with a view to demand adequate compensation and immediate humanitarian aid for victims and be ready to organize the victims in case there is a need to stage mass actions for justice.”