- The Bodija area of Ibadan was rocked by an explosion on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024, causing extensive damage and loss of lives
- Authorities confirmed the explosion was caused by illegally stored explosives, with suspects facing prosecution under the Terrorism Act
- Governor Seyi Makinde expressed sorrow for the victims and promised to honor their memory through a memorial later this year
An explosion devastated the quiet Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, triggering widespread panic throughout the state capital on the evening of Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recalled the tragic event in a statement, shared with TheRadar on Friday, January 17 describing the blast as a “needless tragedy.”
Makinde expresses condolences to victims of Ibadan explosion
The governor expressed his condolences to the families of those who passed away in the explosion, acknowledging that while material damage could be fixed, the lives lost could never be replaced. “May their souls rest in peace, and may God continue to comfort those they left behind,” he said.
Governor Makinde also confirmed that those responsible for storing the explosives in the residential area had been apprehended and were facing prosecution in the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
The suspects were reportedly being tried under the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022.
“We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims,” the governor stated. Adding that “Though nothing can bring back those we lost, we will erect a memorial at the site later this year to honour their memory.”
2-week timeline for victim aid disbursement in explosion, Makinde says
He also assured that financial assistance would be distributed to the victims in the coming weeks, following the submission of a report by the committee overseeing the disbursement process.
“Disbursements will be made within the next two weeks. We have also started rehabilitating the roads in the area as part of our efforts to fix some of the damage done.
“We will continue to invest in the security of lives and properties of our people to ensure that preventable disasters like this, do not repeat themselves. To this end, I signed Executive Order 001, 2024, on the Safe Handling and Storage of Harmful Substances Within Oyo State. But we all need to work together to support the security agencies. So, if you see something, please say something so the relevant authorities can do something,” Governor Makinde stated.
The blast, which authorities later confirmed was caused by explosives stored by illegal miners, caused significant damage to properties and left the community in shock.
Buildings near the site of the explosion were reduced to rubble, while vehicles were destroyed. Farther from the epicentre, windows were shattered, and rooftops sustained heavy damage.
The force of the explosion also led to the collapse of several houses, which sent residents rushing into the streets in fear for their lives.
In a separate commemoration, the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) held an interdenominational service to honour the five residents who lost their lives in the blast.
Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, President of BERA, expressed the community's solidarity with the victims' families and emphasised the importance of remembering those lost in the tragedy.
Governor Makinde vows action against bandits relocating to Oyo from northwest
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Governor Makinde revealed that fleeing bandits from the Northwest were seeking refuge in Oyo State.
Makinde reiterated that bandits would have no foothold in Oyo State and assured residents of his administration’s relentless efforts to secure the region.