Explosion rocks Ibadan, Nigeria: Two Dead, Many Injured, Buildings Collapsed

Residents of Ibadan, the historic capital of Oyo State, found themselves in a state of confusion on Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. as a powerful explosion rocked various parts of the city, prompting people to scramble for safety.

The impact of the explosion, which resonated across many neighbourhoods in the ancient city, led to uncertainty regarding its precise cause and location. While some residents speculated that it might have been a seismic tremor, others suggested it could have resulted from a gas explosion or even an improvised explosive device.

Numerous areas were reported to have been affected, including Eleyele, Ologuneru, Owalla, Ekerin, Isokan, Apete, and sections of the University College Hospital (UCH), where windows were shattered. Additional affected locations encompassed Gbaremu, Mokola, Bodija, Oke-Itunu, Basorun, Akobo, and Sango. Moreover, key government buildings such as sections of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, and the Oyo State House of Assembly were reportedly impacted.

As a result of the uncertainty and potential dangers, roads in the city were eerily deserted, forcing many residents to remain indoors for their safety.

A resident, Dejo Olugbodi, speculated that the explosion may have originated from the Dejo Oyelese area behind the secretariat. He recounted his experience, stating, “I was on my way to visit my friend, whose house is about 300 meters from Dejo Oyelese. By the time I got to Oyelese, I couldn’t go further; I had to retrace my steps. It is an explosion. The house is badly damaged. I saw injured people being moved to the hospital.”

Reports indicate that some of the victims were admitted to various hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH).

The Oyo State government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, acknowledged the various interpretations of the explosion but noted that its cause had not yet been determined. Mr. Oyelade reassured residents that the government was actively managing the situation and that security agencies had deployed personnel to address any potential fallout from the explosion.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Oyefeso, confirmed the explosion’s occurrence around Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, at approximately 7:44 p.m. However, the exact cause of the explosion could not be confirmed at that time.

In a show of solidarity, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, extended his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State. He pledged support to the state in the wake of the tragic incident.

Governor Makinde, in his statement, revealed that preliminary investigations by security agencies pointed to the explosion being caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.

Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency reported that over 20 houses were affected by the explosion, although casualty figures were not yet confirmed. Search and rescue operations were still underway.

The explosion’s impact was substantial, resulting in damaged buildings, collapsed houses, and injured residents. It has left the community in shock and highlighted the need for a comprehensive response to address the aftermath and prevent future incidents.