Some of the buildings and structures destroyed by explosion caused by explosive devices stored up by illegal miners in Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Tuesday night.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday night, disclosed that about 77 persons were injured in Tuesdayās explosion that rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan, the state capital.
The explosion which left residents of the city in a serious panic affected a section of the Governorās Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.
One of our correspondents, who was at the scene of the explosion, reported that no fewer than 10 bodies were recovered from the site and taken away in ambulances.
But the governor said two people died in the explosion
āIn 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,ā Makinde tweeted on X on Wednesday.
Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion Tuesday night, added that āpreliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blastā
He also vowed to bring to book those found culpable.
Makinde also said the āmedical bills of all victims will be covered by the governmentā while also promising to ensure that all āthose whose houses were affected are supported to rebuild their livesā
The governor urged residents to be calm, noting that rescue operations had already started at the scene of the incident.
āEarth-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.
āMedical 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.
Explosion storms Ibadan
Ibadan inhabitants have been thrown into panic mode as deadly explosion hits Ibadan around 7pm today at Dejo oyelese, Adeyi area, Housing Estate which link to gas explosion, collapsed buildings, many feared dead
Eyewitnesses said they heard a deafening sound from the Sango and Agbowo-UI-Orogin area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“į»mį», I’ve never felt so trembled all my entire life. I thought the world was about to end; just around 7pm, we heard a loud sound in my school, University of Ibadan. Not only did we hear the sound but we felt the impact, more like a wave. I literally felt the vibration as I lay down on my bed in my room”- Dr. Ment, Ibadan
“We were wondering what happened. Some people said it’s bomb, some said it’s an earthquake whole some one even said alien landed in Ibadan. Although, we now hear that it was a gas explosion around bodija/sango area and the vibration damaged a lot of things close to that area. Even a mall collapsed”- He continued
“I’m still wondering how the main site of the gas explosion will be right now because for the sound to be heard and felt by people far away, it must be very serious; if you have any relatives or loved ones in Ibadan, please check up on them. May God continue to protect all of us. šā¤ļø”- He added
However, the cause of the explosion could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
A resident of Orogun said that she heard the deafening sound, saying, āIt felt like a tremor that shook the house.ā
Another source in the Agbowo area said he heard it was a gas explosion. However, this could not be independently confirmed
Peoplesmind