Ibadan Blast: 2 Dead, Scores Injured – What Truly Happened?

Blasts heard all over the capital; Many feared dead, several injured…; Gov. visits site, promises to bring culprits to book.

It all started around 7pm on Tuesday, 16th January, 2024, when a loud bang was heard at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija area of Ibadan metropolis in the Oyo State capital. Many residents around the areas of UI, Bodija, Jericho, Agbowo, Ojoo, and surroundings felt the impact of an explosion whose cause, as at then, wasn’t known. Other occupants in places as far as New Garage, Omi Adio, Apata, Agodi, Challenge, Iwo Road, and Apete were said to have heard the sound of the explosion which occured in the Ibadan North LGA of the state. Students took to WhatsApp and X to post about the bang and enquired about the safety of one another, which prompted Oysun News to further investigate the matter through relevant agencies and eyewitness reports.

The trend of the unfortunate event became popular on the X app where several conflicting reports initially came into play. Many suspected the cause to be as a result of gas spillage, some suspected a burning petrol station, some felt it was a bomb blast, while a leaked information suggested it was mining-related activities. Despite the online trends, rescue operations began as soon as the blast went off, and many were reported to be in need of blood transfusion to salvage their conditions. The most hit area, Adeyi Avenue, became a site of gory sight as a lot of people fell under the rubble of damages caused due to the explosion. Many influential X users called for blood donations on the platform, and donors were requested to visit the University College Hospital (UCH) as soon as they can make it.

The Oyo State Government, in a swift response on social media platforms, confirmed the incident and ascertained an investigation was ongoing to determine the cause and rescue the affected residents. The state command of the Nigerian Police Force further dropped a release to confirm the incident and assure residents that rescue efforts are ongoing to save people affected, with ample personnel on ground to speed up the process. According to the Force PPRO, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police in the company of some senior officers and other responders, were on the ground for on the spot assessment and rescue operation. Later in the night, a report emerged where it was indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde ordered the immediate evacuation of victims to state hospitals with a mandate to attend to them without delay. It also stated that all corresponding area residents should leave the area and seek refuge in safe havens, including hotels in which he promised the state government will sort the bills.

The four potential reasons lingered in the hearts of residents, however it wasn’t until the early hours of Wednesday, 17th January, that the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde released a statement confirming the incident to be as a result of illegal storage of mining equipment in a residential building. In a statement released around 2:30am on his X handle @seyiamakinde,

“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. 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 2 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.

“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.

“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.