Illegal miners have been blamed for the explosion that rocked Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who revealed this on Wednesday, said preliminary investigations by security agencies showed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored by 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”.
Makinde who visited the scene of the explosion on Tuesday night said though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to book.
The governor informed that two people died while 77 others were injured in the explosion.
“In 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,” Makinde added.
The governor also revealed that the “medical bills of victims will be picked by the government” while promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected were ‘supported to rebuild their lives”
The governor urged residents to be calm, noting that rescue operations had already started at the scene of the incident.
“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.
“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,” he added.
It was gathered from sources that no fewer than 10 persons were feared killed and 15 others hospitalised, following the explosion that affected many places in Ibadan metropolis and the outskirts of the city felt the ground shaking some minutes before 8 pm.
Some residents of Ologuneru, Owalla, Isokan, Ekerin, Eleyele and parts of Apete also said they felt the shaking.
At Ologuneru, the gates and fence of a building shook but did not collapse.
Other places affected are Olodo, Apata, Iyana church, Sango, Agbowo, Bodija Housing and others.
Also affected were section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo and Sango.
