-
An explosion rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan on Tuesday night.
-
The explosion resulted in the death and injury of dozens of residents.
-
Structures in the area also suffered significant damage.
Eko Hot Blog reports that a powerful explosion on Tuesday jolted residents of Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, and its environs in their homes and offices.
The explosion was heard across several parts of the city around 7:44pm with many, including the state government and the police, unable to provide answers on the cause of the blast.
The blast resulted in the death and injury of dozens of residents as various buildings were not spared in the explosion that reverberated across Ibadan.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the explosion originated from Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Survivors who spoke with Punch claimed that dynamite used by miners triggered the explosion in the community.
One of the survivors identified only as Alhaji Mohammed recounted how the blast threw him off, adding that his wife and children were receiving treatment in a hospital.
“When the spark started, it was from the electricals and I brought out my fire extinguisher trying to help. My neighbour told me that it had passed an extinguisher and we needed to call the fire service,” the survivor said.
“I told my son to bring my phone for me to call the fire service before the fire touched dynamite brought home by some miners in the building.
“The explosion threw me away and I thought I was dead. My children and wife are currently at the hospital receiving treatment.”
Another survivor who identified himself as Olaide noted that they were called out to help douse a fire when the dynamite exploded.
“We didn’t know that they brought anything home. We were only trying to help when we fell. I didn’t know when I woke up. I just found myself lying on the floor. It was scary,” he said.
Some miners living in the community were accused of bringing dynamite home which triggered the powerful blast.
Oyo Gov reacts
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reacted to the deadly incident, confirming claims of the involvement of illegal miners.
Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion, described the incident as unfortunate, urging residents to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities whenever the notice such acts around them.
The Oyo governor confirmed at least two deaths related to the blast, while confirming that 77 were hospitalised following the explosion.
“This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties,” he wrote on X.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.”
“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.
“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.”
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
