IBADAN EXPLOSION CAUSED BY ILLEGAL MINING AND NOT GAS EXPLOSION

By Oluwabukola Jimoh ــ Last Update 17 January 2024

In a sudden and alarming turn of events, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, found itself grappling with the aftermath of a massive explosion late Tuesday evening. The Oyo State government, spearheaded by Governor Seyi Makinde, swiftly responded to the crisis, urging residents to remain calm and assuring them that all necessary measures were being taken to address the situation.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, conveyed the government's commitment to handling the incident, emphasizing that security service chiefs, para-military leaders, and fire operatives had been deployed to contain the fallout from the explosion.

Residents in various parts of Ibadan, including the School of Nursing hostel and University College Hospital, were shaken by a deafening sound that shattered windows and caused widespread panic. The tremors were felt in neighborhoods such as Ologuneru, Owalla, Isokan, Ekerin, Eleyele, and parts of Apete.

Governor Seyi Makinde attributed the explosion to explosive devices stored by illegal miners, revealing that two individuals lost their lives, while 77 others sustained injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 7:44 pm on January 16th.

In a press release shared on his verified page, Governor Makinde disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that illegal miners had stored explosive devices in a house in Bodija, triggering the devastating blast. He expressed condolences for the lives lost and assured residents that the government was actively involved in search and rescue operations.

The governor deployed various resources, including earthmoving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security personnel to manage the aftermath. Medical personnel were on standby at hospitals to provide assistance to the injured, and the government pledged to cover the medical bills of all victims.

Addressing concerns about housing, Governor Makinde assured affected residents that temporary accommodation would be provided, and support offered to rebuild their lives. He urged residents to remain calm, stay away from the incident site, and report emergencies to the designated hotline.

Contrary to initial reports suggesting a gas explosion, the Governor clarified that the incident was linked to illegal mining activities. The ongoing investigations aim to hold those responsible accountable.

As the people of Ibadan grapple with the shock and aftermath of this tragic incident, the Oyo State government remains resolute in its commitment to restoring normalcy, ensuring the welfare of affected residents, and addressing the root causes of the explosion.

Source: Vanguard News and Punch Newspaper on X.

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.