Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, announced on Wednesday that initial security agency investigations had shown that explosive devices kept by unauthorized miners were the cause of Tuesday’s explosion that shook the Bodija Area of Ibadan, the state capital.
Following the explosion, which also damaged parts of the governor’s office, secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, Chief Bola Ige’s residence (the former attorney general and minister of justice), and several buildings in Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele, at least ten people were believed to have died and fifteen more were hospitalized.
Visiting the site of the explosion on Tuesday night, Makinde stated that although inquiries were still underway, those proven to be at fault would face consequences.
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“The explosion was caused by explosive devices that illegal miners who were occupying a house in Bodija had stored there, according to preliminary investigations conducted by the security forces. The inquiries are still being conducted. “Everyone found responsible for this will face consequences,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
No fewer than ten bodies were retrieved from the scene and transported away in ambulances, according to one of our correspondents who was present when the explosion occurred.
However, the governor reported that the explosion left 77 people injured and two dead.
There have been two fatalities and 77 injuries overall, the most of which have been treated and released from the hospital. Makinde continued, “May God grant their loved ones the strength to bear this irreversible loss and may their souls rest in peace.”
In addition, the governor disclosed that the government will pay the victims’ medical expenses, but he pledged to make sure that everyone whose home was impacted was “supported to rebuild their lives.”
The governor asked the populace to remain composed, pointing out that rescue efforts had already begun at the location.
Ambulances, earthmoving machinery, security, and emergency lighting were sent to the location of the event. The maimed and wounded are receiving care before being sent to Ibadan’s public and private hospitals.
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.