Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday morning said the explosion was caused by illegal miners who had stored explosives in a building on Dejo Oyelese Close in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the state capital,
A Malian family was responsible for the deadly explosion that rocked the Ibadan metropolis, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday, residents told SaharaReporters.
Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday morning said the explosion was caused by illegal miners who had stored explosives in a building on Dejo Oyelese Close in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the state capital,
According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion was caused by explosives stored by illegal miners occupying a house in the Bodija area of the city.
SaharaReporters observed on Wednesday that the devastation caused by the incident was massive with virtually all the buildings in the vicinity badly affected.
However, some residents told SaharaReporters that the owner of the building where the explosives were reportedly stored is a Malian.
“The owner of the building is Malian and he has been living there for long; he didn’t just move there. He has a Malian wife and also has a Yoruba wife. It is the family that engages in mining,” one of the sources said.
However, the residents could not confirm the whereabouts of the Malian family or if they were among the casualties.
During his visit to the scene on Wednesday morning, Makinde said, "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."