According to reports reaching us, current scores state Two dead and 77 injured in Ibadan explosion. The explosion happened in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday night and resulted in 77 injuries and two confirmed deaths.
Upon visiting the site of the incident, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde verified the number of casualties.
In addition, he claimed that while the explosion was felt and heard throughout the city, it happened near Adeyi Avenue in Bodija.
According to Mr. Makinde, security agencies’ initial inquiries showed that unauthorized miners who were occupying a Bodija home were the cause of the explosion.
‘‘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,” he said.
The governor also revealed that he gave the order for the government to pay for the medical expenses of every explosion victim and to arrange for a temporary residence for those whose homes were damaged.
Several kilometers away from the explosion site, other houses sustained damage.
‘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,” Mr 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 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.