Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, was hit with a massive explosion on Tuesday night. It led to the death of two people, while about 77 persons were reported injured. 

The damage to cars and buildings caused by the blast has been estimated to be worth billions of naira, as photos and videos of the damages circulated on social media.

The incident happened around 7:44 p.m. at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija. The buildings damaged include Domino’s Pizza, Ace Mall, among others in the lush area of the city. 

One of the houses affected belongs to Chief Bola Ige, the late Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the federation. 

Areas affected

Reports revealed that apart from Bodija where the explosion happened, the waves of the blasts shook Agbowo, Eleyele, Orogun, Ologuneru, Eleyele, Apete, and other major areas of Ibadan. 

Health institutions

The explosion also rocked the School of Nursing hostel of the University College Hospital (UCH), the teaching hospital of the University of Ibadan. 

Secretariat

The explosion had effects on the buildings and offices of the State Secretariat, about 2 kilometers from the scene of the incident. 

The Governor’s Officer, Water Corporation Building, the State Secretariat Chapel, the State Secretariat Central Mosque, the Revenue House, and the Local Government Staff Training School among others. 

Cause

Reacting to the incident, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, said the explosion was caused by illegal miners who stored improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their houses. 

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there. These caused the blast,” Makinde said 

Oyo govt’s reaction

Makinde has called for calm, as an investigation was launched into the matter. He also said emergency workers have been deployed to carry out rescue operations.

He said the residents should, “remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident. This is to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.” 

NEMA’s response

Reacting, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said no specific number could be attached to fatalities. 

It, however, said about 20 houses were destroyed.

According to NEMA, in the Ibadan explosion, “Over 20 houses were affected. Casualty figures cannot be ascertained for now. Search and rescue operation is still ongoing.” 

The efforts to rescue are ongoing, as the city is yet to recover from the incident.

Source: The Vanguard