The Nigerian Army high command has advised residents of Owode and Ajilete in Ogun State not to panic at the hearing of loud sound as operatives are embarking on final cleanup of unexploded bombs during the historic Ikeja bomb blast.
According to army spokesman, Brig General Onyema Nwachukwu, the clearance of remnants of unexploded ordinances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in an Exercise codenamed “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP”.
“The Exercise has reached an advanced stage, resulting in the recovery of various calibres of unexploded ordnances, which will have to be professionally and safely disposed. In line with the Exercise plan, as earlier highlighted during the inauguration press briefing and Flag Off by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on 10 October 2023, the Nigerian Army would be conducting disposal of recovered unexploded ordnances at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode, Ajilete, Ogun State on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 10 .am to 4. pm.
“Accordingly, there would be movement of unexploded ordnances from Ikeja Cantonment to Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Owode, Ajilete in Ogun State. The detonation of the explosives would produce loud bang that would be heard from far and near during the exercise.
“Consequently, members of the general public, particularly residents of Owode, Ajilete and the environs are enjoined to not panic, but go about their normal and legitimate businesses, as the sound of the explosion would not raise any security concern. Particular appeal goes to farmers and farm owners within and around the perimeters of the Nigerian Army Shooting Range Ajilete, Owode Ogun State, to please stay clear during the period of the exercise.
“The Nigerian Army assures the general public that necessary cautionary measures have been emplaced to guarantee safety of life and property throughout the duration of the exercise.”