The Malian gemstone dealer, Alhaji Sawane Youssouf, fingered as storing explosives that went off, killed people and devastated houses on 16th January at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state capital, has denied relationship with the incident.
Oyo State’s government had pinned the blame on him for illegal storage of incendiaries employed in his mining operations.
However, Alhaji Sawane Youssouf has surfaced to deny the allegations.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan at the weekend, Sawane Youssouf: “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred at Bodija on Tuesday night.
“My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident.
“My family and I stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time.
“The quick response by the state government and unrelenting support of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.
“However, as we continue to mourn and offer prayers for those who have been affected by this disaster and government, security operatives making progress in rescue operations, I would like to address the write-up, by one Bar. Muyideen Olagunju.
“Truly, I am a Malian, a gemstone and mineral dealer, operating in the Oyo state and Nigeria as whole.
“I am the Chairman of all Malians residing in Oyo State, Nigeria. chapter of the ECOWAS members, I was elected president in the year 2016 and I have been dealing with precious stones in Nigeria for over 30 years.
“Though, it is true that I jointly operated the registered firm called SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited with RC 511184 with Darame Ibrahima, Yattara Ibrahim, and Bakare Hakeem Oladimeji but I can categorically say that the firm has ceased to operate since 2014 as a result of unresolved issues among the subscribers and Directors, as a matter of fact, the winding up of the company was initiated several years back. I can also emphatically say that I have not had any business dealing with SDYB or her directors in the last 12 years.
“Furthermore, I am telling the general public that I Alhaji Sawane Youssouf never at any time rented an apartment either for myself or workers or bought a house for myself or workers at Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan.
“I am saying it to whom it may concern that, Bar. Muyideen Olagunji mistook me for the miner who owned or rented the apartment at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan.
“However, my rebuttal of having a connection with the people living in the apartment where the explosion occurred doesn’t mean, I am not available or will render support to the state government, and security agencies if I am called on.”
