A massive explosion rocked Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the evening hours of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, leaving people injured and properties destroyed.
According to media reports, the cause of the blast, which was said to have occurred at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, at about 7:44 p.m., is still unclear, but the authorities suspect that it may have been triggered by mining explosives stored in a house.
Different accounts listed some of the affected areas, including Eleyele, Ologuneru, Owalla, Ekerin, Isokan, Apete, and parts of the University College Hospital (UCH), where windows were reportedly shattered.
Other affected places include Gbaremu, Mokola, Bodija, Oke-Itunu, Basorun, Akobo, and Sango. Sections of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly and residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the late Bola Ige, were also reportedly affected.
Some victims of the incident have allegedly been admitted to various hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH).
Meanwhile, in a statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the Government said there were various interpretations of the explosion, but that its cause has not been ascertained.
Mr Oyelade, however, assured residents that the State Government was in control of the situation in the state.
He said security agencies in the state have deployed their officials to contain the spillover from the explosion.
“Governor Seyi Makinde implores citizens to calm down and be assured that their interests are being looked after,” the Spokesperson added.
