A devastating explosion rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan on Tuesday night, resulting in at least two fatalities and leaving dozens injured. The incident, caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners, unfolded in a residential building and caused extensive damage to the surroundings.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the impact during a visit to the scene, stating, “Two persons lost their lives while a total of 77 others suffered varying degrees of injuries.” Emergency services and security officials engaged in a search and rescue operation, utilising bulldozers to clear debris and provide assistance.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath, with Olaitan Okanlawon recounting, “I was in the house with my kids, and I just saw the ceiling and roof coming down on us. I have a lot of injuries, (including) my back.” The explosion affected multiple structures, leading to collapsed houses and wrecked cars.
In response to the tragic incident, Makinde assured affected individuals that the state government would cover medical bills and provide temporary accommodation for those who lost their homes. The governor emphasised the need for thorough investigations into the explosion, stating, “Investigations are ongoing, and anyone found to have been involved will be brought to book.”
The explosion also triggered reactions from political figures, with Senators Sharafadeen Alli and Teslim Folarin expressing condolences and calling for in-depth investigations. Alli urged relevant authorities to collaborate in providing immediate relief to victims and implementing stringent safety measures to prevent future incidents.
The impact of the explosion extended to the State Secretariat Complex, Agodi, causing severe damage to office buildings. The Oyo State Government established an Emergency Situation Room, led by Prof. Temitope Alonge, to coordinate the ongoing response to the incident.
As rescue operations continued, the Red Cross, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other agencies rendered humanitarian services. The state government set up a Situation Hub for victims, encouraging residents to provide useful information.
Fatai Owoseni, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, emphasised the importance of staying away from the immediate scene to avoid potential security threats and secondary explosions. Rescue operations successfully removed at least 15 people from under the rubble, with ongoing efforts to attend to the affected individuals and gather more information.
The community rallied together, with Senator Alli calling on residents to prioritise safety, remain vigilant, and support the affected families. The tragic incident serves as a sombre reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and safety measures in communities. (Reuters/NAN)
