On Wednesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde revealed that according to initial investigations by security agencies, the explosion in the Bodija Area of Ibadan on Tuesday resulted from explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
The incident led to the feared death of at least 10 individuals, with 15 others hospitalized. The explosion also impacted various locations, including the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Chief Bola Ige, and several buildings in Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele.
Governor Makinde, who inspected the scene on Tuesday night, emphasized that ongoing investigations would determine culpability, and individuals found responsible would face legal consequences. In a tweet on Wednesday, he stated, “Preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”
Contrary to initial reports of 10 fatalities, the governor clarified that two people died, and 77 others sustained injuries in the explosion. Additionally, one of our correspondents present at the scene reported the recovery of at least 10 bodies, which were subsequently transported away in ambulances.
“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Makinde added.
Furthermore, the governor assured that the government would cover the medical expenses of the victims and pledged support for those whose homes were affected, facilitating their rebuilding efforts. Emphasizing the need for calm, Governor Makinde mentioned ongoing rescue operations at the incident site.
He stated, “The government will take care of the medical bills of the victims, and we will ensure that all those whose houses were affected are supported to rebuild their lives.”
The governor disclosed that various resources, including earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security personnel, had been deployed to the scene. Rescue operations were already underway, with the injured being treated and transported to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel were on standby to offer necessary assistance, and Governor Makinde personally visited the University College Hospital (UCH) to check on some of the injured individuals.
In his appeal to residents, he urged them to contact emergency services at 615 for any assistance needed during this time and advised them to remain calm, staying away from the immediate scene to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations.