Eko Hot Blog reports that the explosion that rocked Ibadan metropolis on Tuesday has resulted in the death of at least two people, with an additional 77 individuals being hospitalized at the University College Hospital in Oyo State.
This was contained in the statement issued by the state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde in the early hours of Wednesday.
There was serious panic in the ancient city around around 7:45 pm over the explosion, whose cause could not be confirmed on Tuesday night.
Among the affected areas were 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, Mokola, Sango and Eleyele.
As of press time, rescue workers believed that some persons were still trapped under the rubble and efforts were ongoing to rescue them.
Glass windows, doors and ceilings were shattered in the affected areas.
Major roads were deserted while residents were forced indoors by security operatives, including the police, Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes, who took over the affected areas.
The cause of the blast could not be confirmed. Some residents of the affected areas claimed it was caused by earth movement while others described it as a blast of an Improvised Explosive Device.
Thick smoke rented the air in the affected areas which resulted in the hospitalisation of the victims in various hospitals.
Security vehicles were sighted conveying the victims to some selected hospitals in the state capital for medical attention.
Also, it was gathered that at least three buildings collapsed as a result of the explosion.
In separate videos seen by this news medium, a white pickup van with the inscription Bodija Patrol van was seen conveying what was suspected to be the dead bodies of some of the victims, though the state police command maintained that casualties could not be ascertained.
Another short video also showed some of the places affected by the explosion, with an accompanying male voice calling for help.
“Please, we need help here. These are the people. We need help. Police, Army, and everybody else should come and rescue people here,” the male voice pleaded.
Addressing Journalist after visiting the site of the explosion, Governor Makinde confirmed the incident and gave an insight into the possible cause of the explosion.
The statement posted on his official X handle reads:
“We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. 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.”
“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.”
“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.
I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”
“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.
We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are 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.”
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