Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State has revealed the actual cause of deadly explosion that occurred in Dejo Oyeleye Street, Bodija area of the Ibadan, the state capital.
According to him, two people have been confirmed dead in the explosion.
DAILY GIST reported earlier that the ancient city of Ibadan was thrown into panic and confusion following an explosion that occurred on Tuesday evening.
Makinde, who was addressing the journalists in Ibadan, said the explosion, which also injured 77 people, was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in Bodija area of Ibadan.
“We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan,” the governor said.
“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.”
He added that 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 stated that the investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable for this will be brought to book.
The governor said the rescue operations will continue throughout the night.
“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident,” he said.
“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.”
Condoling with the families of those who lost lives and properties to the explosion, Makinde said “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.”
Makinde assured residents that the state government will take care of the medical bills of all victims of the blast.
“We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives,” he said.
“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”
Survivors of the explosion that occurred at, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday also stated that that dynamite used by miners triggered the explosion which led to loss of lives and property in the community.
One of the survivors identified only as Alhaji Mohammed said, “When the spark started, it was from the electricals and I brought out my fire extinguisher trying to help.
My neighbour told me that it had passed an extinguisher and we needed to call the fire service. I told my son to bring my phone for me to call the fire service before the fire touched dynamite brought home by some miners in the building.
“The explosion threw me away and I thought I was dead. My children and wife are currently at the hospital receiving treatment.”
Another survivor who identified himself as Olaide, noted that they were called out to help douse a fire when the dynamite exploded.
He said, “We didn’t know that they brought anything home. We were only trying to help when we fell. I didn’t know when I woke up. I just found myself lying on the floor. It was scary.”
Not less than 20 houses were affected in the explosion and at least 10 houses were completely damaged.
At least, 15 vehicles were completely damaged and more than five cars were partly destroyed.
As of press time, a rescue operation was still ongoing at the site of the explosion.
Rescue workers believed that some persons were still trapped under the rubble and efforts were ongoing to rescue them.
