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Updated: Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
Two people were killed and 77 people injured in an explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the state governor, has disclosed.
The incident happened on Dejo Oyeleye Street in the Bodija area of Ibadan, instantly spreading panic to other parts of the city.
Makinde, who spoke to journalists in Ibadan, said the explosion was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area.
The governor said, “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan.
“This unfortunate incident resulted in the death and injury to residents in the vicinity and affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.”
Some of the affected areas are the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.
There were fears that some persons were still trapped under the rubble as of 10pm on Tuesday.
But a report by The Punch quoted a social worker at the UCH, as saying that the hospital had received no fewer than 15 victims.
“The victims will not be less than 15,” he said.
Glass windows, doors and ceilings were shattered in the affected areas.
The report also indicated that major roads were deserted while residents were forced indoors by security operatives, including the police, Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes, who took over the affected areas.
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Security vehicles were sighted conveying the victims to some selected hospitals in the state capital for medical attention.
At least three buildings reportedly collapsed as a result of the explosion.
There are videos seen online showing some of the places affected by the explosion, with an accompanying male voice calling for help.
“Please, we need help here. These are the people. We need help. Police, Army, and everybody else should come and rescue people here,” the male voice pleaded.
A lady was seen in one of the videos being circulated saying the apartment her mother lived in collapsed as a result of the impact of the explosion.
The lady said, “My mum stays in Adeyi with my sister and my son. They are badly injured. The house collapsed on them. They are stitching their legs and arms. They are in the hospital beside Ace Mall.”
In a statement, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said, “There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.
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“All security service chiefs, including paramilitary chiefs and fire service operatives, have been deployed by the governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“The Governor, Seyi Makinde, therefore, implores citizens to calm down and rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”.
The police spokesman in the state, Adewale Oyefeso, said, “The Commissioner of Police Oyo State Command, in the company with some senior officers and other responders, is on the ground for on-the-spot assessment and rescue operation.
“The Oyo State Police Command has also deployed armed and plainclothes officers to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”
Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
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Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
Suspected armed robbers have invaded student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ogun State, in a violent midnight attack that left several students injured and triggered widespread panic across the university community.
The attack, which reportedly began around midnight and lasted into the early hours of Saturday, saw more than 12 armed men storm multiple hostels, firing shots sporadically and dispossessing students of valuables including phones, laptops, and cash.
Eyewitness accounts and student testimonies shared online indicated that the attackers operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, causing chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. An X user, identified as Michael Mabayomije, said the gunmen moved from room to room during the raid, forcing students to surrender their belongings while firing shots into the air to scare victims.
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Some students reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape, while others were traumatised by the intensity of the attack. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion following the incident, with reports indicating that blood stains believed to be from injured victims were seen on walls and floors of some affected hostels. The attack left the campus environment tense, with students expressing fears over repeated security breaches in the area.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Division and the Area Commander were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and restore confidence among students and residents.
Security patrols have since been intensified around the campus and surrounding communities as part of efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents.
The attack has renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in satellite campuses and rural areas where security coverage is often limited. Students and residents are calling for improved security measures, including increased night patrols, better surveillance, and stronger collaboration between university authorities and security agencies.
Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
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Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid reports that his decision went against the initial wishes of the President, who allegedly attempted to dissuade him from stepping down. Multiple Presidency insiders said Adelabu insisted on leaving office to focus on his Oyo State governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts within the Villa to retain him in the federal cabinet.
Tinubu Reportedly Tried to Stop Adelabu’s Exit
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reluctant to accept Adelabu’s resignation, given his role in ongoing power sector reforms. According to insiders, the President had even delayed meetings with the minister for weeks in an effort to prevent an immediate resignation and had sent emissaries to discourage him from quitting.
However, when both men eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. The President was said to have asked whether he was confident of securing victory, to which Adelabu reportedly replied affirmatively. Following the exchange, Tinubu allegedly wished him well in his political ambition.
Delayed Exit Beyond Presidential Deadline
Adelabu officially submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit came 22 days after the March 31 deadline earlier issued by the Presidency for political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections.
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While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu’s late resignation triggered speculation of internal negotiations and possible resistance within government circles. However, Presidency sources clarified that the deadline was administrative rather than strictly legal, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 allows resignation ahead of party primaries.
Possible Elevation to Finance Ministry Role
Further revelations suggest that Tinubu had considered Adelabu for a possible appointment as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following the exit of Wale Edun. This potential promotion, insiders said, contributed to the President’s preference that Adelabu remain in the cabinet.
Power Sector Performance and Presidential Support
Despite public criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, grid collapses, and tariff increases, sources said Tinubu consistently defended Adelabu’s performance. The President reportedly viewed the challenges in the Nigerian power sector as structural issues rather than personal failures of the minister.
Camp Claims Resignation Was Approved
Contrary to reports suggesting a fallout, Adelabu’s aides insist the resignation was mutually understood and not a confrontation with the Presidency. His media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the former minister enjoys Tinubu’s support and had secured his approval before resigning.
He also referenced Adelabu’s past voluntary resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria as evidence of his long-standing pattern of stepping down for personal convictions.
Focus Shifts to Oyo Governorship Race
Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State, has now fully returned to state politics, declaring his intention to contest again in 2027. His resignation becomes effective April 30, 2026, allowing for a transition period at the Ministry of Power.
However, political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West are already shifting, with stakeholders reportedly considering other consensus candidates for Oyo State.
Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
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Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing security operations in the South-East, dismantling a suspected camp linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.
During the operation, troops recovered what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in 2022.
The military operation in Imo State was carried out on Thursday, April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division. The mission formed part of a broader strategy to crack down on IPOB/ESN hideouts and restore stability across the South-East.
According to an official statement released on Saturday, the operation was intelligence-led and specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. The couple was abducted and murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
The Army disclosed that troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced toward the suspected camp.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read.
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Despite the ambush, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling multiple assaults and forcing the gunmen to flee.
The Army described the encounter as further evidence of the group’s continued attacks on both civilians and security personnel in the region.
Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to a grim discovery—shallow graves suspected to contain human remains.
The graves were carefully excavated, and remains recovered, which are believed to be those of the slain military couple.
The Army confirmed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis and DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities. It also stated that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and dignified burial arrangements.
The military emphasized that the operation highlights its unwavering commitment to justice for fallen soldiers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN in the South-East.
It further noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp underscores what it described as the group’s “heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”
The Army reassured Nigerians that operations would continue until all criminal elements are neutralized and lasting peace in the South-East is achieved.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.
Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
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