Updated: Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde

Scores feared dead, 15 hospitalised as massive explosion rocks Ibadan

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.