An explosion shattered many buildings on Tuesday some minutes before 8 pm in major places in the Ibadan metropolis; the Oyo state capital displaced many including a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, and some members of his family.
Also affected are the home of the former Attorney General of the Federation, the late Chief Bola Ige, the School of Nursing hostel of the University College Hospital, Ologuneru, Owalla, Isokan, Ekerin, Eleyele, and parts of Apete, Olodo, Apata, Iyana church, Sango, Agbowo, and Bodija Housing.
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State who visited the scene told journalists that two people were killed in the explosion, and 77 people were injured.
He attributed the cause of the explosion to illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
Makinde said “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
“We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan,” the governor said.
“This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to conduct comprehensive search and rescue operations.”
“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast,” he said.
Makinde stated that the investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable for this will be brought to book, adding that the rescue operations will continue throughout the night.
“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident.
“The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident,” Makinde said.
The Governor assured residents that the state government would take care of the medical bills of all victims of the blast.
“We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives,” he said.
“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.
“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel, and all those at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.
“Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” the Governor said.
The Oyo State Police Command via their official X handle confirmed that the explosion happened around Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, and its environs at about 7:44 pm on Tuesday, 16th of January, 2024.
According to Police, the number of injured, and deaths is still unknown as the search and rescue operation continues.
Explosion around Dejo Oyelese Street Bodija Ibadan around 7:44 pm today Tuesday 17/01/2024.
The cause of the explosion is unknown. Several Dead and Injured yet unknown as the search continues.
Ample deployment on the ground
Updates are coming up soon.
— Oyo State Police Command (@OyoPoliceNG) January 16, 2024
