17th January, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun
Governor Seyi Makinde told journalists that the explosion that rocked Ibadan on Tuesday evening resulted from illegal miners who were toying with explosives in one of the houses in Bodija area of the capital where the incident occurred.
The governor who said this at the scene of the explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan also confirmed that two people died while 77 others were injured in an explosion which rocked Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Tuesday evening.
Makinde said, “From what we gathered so far, it is just illegal miners toying with explosives. We have always said to people that when you see something, say something, then the authorities will be able to act and this is quite unfortunate at this stage, what we are doing is to rescue anyone that still under the rubble,” the Governor said in a short interview at the scene of the incident posted on his social media handle.
However, in a statement also posted on his social media handle, Makinde confirmed that the explosion claimed two lives with 77 injured while some buildings were also affected.
The Governor also confirmed that the explosion resulted from the activities of the illegal miners.
“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,” the Governor said.
He added that the Oyo State Government has already deployed first responders and earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security operatives to the scene of the incident to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations
Makinde also said those injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.
He said he had 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” the Governor said.
However, the Oyo State Police Command has not confirmed the cause of the explosion or the number of causalities from the Ibadan explosion.
See his full statement below
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.