A powerful explosion rocked Ibadan, the populous capital of Oyo state, Nigeria, on the evening of January 16, 2024. The blast rattled the city and caused widespread damage.
The explosion took place around 7:45 p.m., claiming the lives of five individuals and injuring at least 77.
It has been established that the blast was due to improperly stored explosives that were used for illegal mining activities.
Witnesses painted a picture of disarray, describing houses collapsing due to the blast and residents running in fear. The explosion’s force was felt throughout the city, leading to significant damage including homes with roofs blown off and shattered windows.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, verified in a statement that the blast resulted from explosive devices stored by illicit miners in a residential building.
The governor assured that the state would shoulder the medical expenses of the injured and provide temporary housing for those who lost their homes in the blast.
The explosion necessitated an emergency response. Security forces sealed off the area as rescue efforts intensified. The National Emergency Management Agency, alongside medical personnel, was on standby, combing through the debris for survivors and aiding the injured.
Several suburbs and landmarks in Ibadan were affected by the explosion, notably including the BON Hotel, Ace Mall, and Le Chateau Bodija.
In response to the incident, Governor Makinde stressed the ongoing investigations and asserted that justice would be served to those found culpable. He called for residents to remain calm and avoid the explosion site to allow for uninterrupted rescue efforts. The governor also recognized the hard work of first responders and medical personnel in managing the crisis.
