Explosion rocks Ijebu Ode Military Base, residents on edge

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A powerful explosion occurred early Thursday morning at the Sappers Barracks in Ilese, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, sparking concern among residents and prompting a swift response from military and local authorities.

The incident, which took place at a mini store within the barracks, is believed to have been caused by the detonation of bombs stored in the military armory, according to preliminary reports.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the explosion may have been triggered by a heat buildup in the storage facility, though official confirmation is still pending.

A statement posted on X by @sfojoemmanuela, representing local authorities or a related entity, noted: “We wish to inform the public that an explosion occurred on August 14, 2025, at the Ilese Army Barracks in Ijebu, Ogun State.

The incident took place at a mini store within the barracks and, according to eyewitness accounts, may have been caused by heat buildup.”

The blast caused significant alarm in the surrounding Ilese community, with residents reporting a loud bang that reverberated through the area.

No casualties have been officially reported, and details regarding injuries or structural damage remain scarce as authorities have restricted access to the site for security and investigative purposes.

The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement, but sources indicate that military personnel have cordoned off the area to facilitate a thorough investigation.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is likely involved in assessing the scene to determine the precise cause of the detonation and ensure no further risks remain.

Local residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

The incident has raised concerns about the storage and handling of explosives in military facilities, particularly in densely populated areas like Ijebu Ode.

This event comes in the wake of a separate explosion near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja on May 26, 2025, where a suspected suicide bomber was killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.

That incident, confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), highlighted ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s military installations.

While no direct connection between the two events has been established, the Ijebu Ode explosion underscores the need for heightened vigilance and robust safety protocols.