At least 10 persons have lost their lives and about 77 others injured following a massive explosion that rocked Ibadan the Oyo state capital at about 8 pm on Tuesday 16 January 2024.
Reports have it that the explosion also affected a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.
Meantime, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday 17 January 2024, said that preliminary investigations by security forces disclosed that the explosion that rocked the Bodija Area of Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday was as a result an explosive devices stored by illegal miners
While on an assessment visit to the scene of the incident Tuesday night, Makinde, said though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to face the full wrath of the law.
On his X handle, the governor tweeted in parts; “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. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”
As at press time, media reports gathered that no fewer than 10 bodies were recovered from the scene of the explosion and have been conveyed to a medical facility. However, governor Makinde said that two people died while 77 others were injured in the explosion.
He stated further; “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”.
While promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected by the incident will be supported to rebuild their lives, the governor also revealed that the government would pay medical bills of injured victims.
Noting that rescue operations had already commenced at the scene of the incident, the governor urged residents to remain calm.
He revealed that earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security have been deployed to the scene of the incident adding that 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.
“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,” he stated.
