Ibadan Explosion:  Gov Makinde, Police Accounts Differ On Cause Of Blast

Bola Ige’s House, Ex-Dep Gov’s, Too, Affected

Official account from the state government of Oyo has it that the massive explosion that rocked most part of the state capital, Ibadan, was as result of mining explosives illegally stored. This however is at variance with preliminary release of the Oyo State police command early Wednesday morning.

The police still maintain that the cause of the explosion is still very much unknown. Even more, the police account doesn’t quite agree yet with what the governor later put up as casualty and fatality figures.

Governor Sheyi Makinde, said on his X handle even though police are yet to make conclusive findings on the said incident that occurred on Tuesday.

The governor further said that two persons died in the explosion, which occurred at about 7:44 pm while about 77 persons were injured.

According to Makinde’s account on the the press release shared on his social media handle on Wednesday morning, preliminary investigations revealed that illegal miners  stored explosive devices in one of the houses in Bodija, causing the blast.

“We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, January 16, 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 respondents 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.

“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.

The governor said that help line has since been put in place.

“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.”

PIX: One of the scenes of the Ibadan explosion (Source X)

Late Bola Ige’s House, Former Deputy Governor’s Properties Affected

House belonging to the former Attorney General of the Federation, late Chief Bola Ige, another one believed to be owned by  Iyiola Oladokun, former deputy governor of Oyo state were among the properties affected in the said explosion, she indicates that the incident happened right in the heart of Ibadan metropolis.

the ex deputy governor, according reports reaching DDM has members of his family displaced as a result of the incident.

Oladokun and his family members, as learnt, are currently being housed by a friend.

A close associate of the former deputy governor, in a short statement to journalists, said his house was affected by the explosion.

“the former deputy governor’s house is located in the area where the incident occurred.

“It is close to the building where the explosion occurred. My family has vacated the house,” the source said.

There are also hints that houses of some staff members of the University of Ibadan were also affected.

Cause of Explosion Still Unknown- Police

While still investigating the matter, the police said that they are ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

As learnt, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed deployment of their tactical teams to the scene of the explosion that happened around the Bodija Axis of Ibadan.

In a signed statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, the explosion around Dejo  Oyelese Street Bodija Ibadan around 7:44pm today Tuesday called for such response.

However, policy according to the official statement maintains that the cause of the incident still remains unknown.

“Number of Dead and Injured could not be immediately ascertained from the scene as at the time the Police and other security services visited last night. Intensive search continues this morning.”

“The Oyo State Police Command has ample deployment to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”

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