Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his sadness over the explosion that rocked the Bodija Area of Ibadan, known as the homes of the elites, since the era of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when he was the premier of the defunct Western Region.
In the explosion that occurred in the Adeyi area of Bodija, two people were reportedly dead, while over 77 people were said to be injured.
Makinde, who was at the scene of the explosion, confirmed the casualties and expressed concern and sympathy for the families of those affected.
Although the explosion was in Adeyi, it was heard and felt in many parts of the city.
Narrating the preliminary investigations, which he said were carried out by security agents in the state, Engineer Makinde, revealed that the blast was caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.
According to him, ‘‘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 also said he has directed that the medical bills of all victims of the explosion be covered by the government, with temporary accommodation provided for those whose houses were affected by the explosion.
Many houses were damaged in the explosion, some several kilometers from where the explosion occurred.
‘‘We visited the scene of the explosion, which occurred at about 7.44 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties,” Makinde said late on Tuesday. “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 had 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.
‘‘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 Oyo governor urged residents to “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,” he said.
It will be recalled that Bodija Housing Estate was established during the premiership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as residential quarters for government functionaries at a low cost, when the then-official quarters for government functionaries at Challenge/Scout Camp axis of Ibadan were no longer adequate for them as it was too far to the Agodi government Secretariat.
The moderate bungalows at the estate were then sold for £5,000, payable instalmentally. Since then, Bodija Estste has become the home of the affluent.
