Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is reeling from a devastating explosion that has claimed the lives of five individuals, according to a recent update from the state government. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, caused extensive damage to numerous houses within a 14-kilometre radius.
Governor Seyi Makinde provided an initial update on Tuesday night, revealing that two deaths occurred on the day of the explosion, with another victim succumbing to injuries in a hospital on Wednesday. In addition to the fatalities, seven individuals sustained injuries in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
On Thursday, Fatai Owoseni, the governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, announced that two more bodies have been recovered, further increasing the death toll.
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Ibadan Explosion, State Government Closely Monitoring Ongoing Investigations
The state government is actively monitoring and responding to the situation as investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway.
Residents of Adeyi Avenue in Bodija, Ibadan, have pointed fingers at Malian illegal miners, attributing the blast to their activities. The explosion left at least three persons dead, scores injured, and property worth billions of naira destroyed. President Bola Tinubu has called on relevant government agencies to identify and punish those responsible for the “reckless behavior” that triggered the devastating blast.
Governor Makinde, who visited the scene, confirmed that preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the explosion was triggered by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in the Bodija area. The blast’s impact was felt kilometers away in various parts of the city.
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As rescue operations continue, the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The government remains committed to uncovering the full details of the incident and ensuring accountability for those responsible for the Ibadan explosion.
