More Than 20 Houses Affected in Ibadan Explosion — NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that more than 20 houses were impacted by the explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NEMA stated that there is currently no available information on the number of casualties.
The agency also disclosed that the explosion was caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device.
The incident, which took place on Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area, caused panic among residents of Ibadan on Tuesday night.
“Over 20 houses were affected. Casualty figures can not be ascertained for now. Search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” the agency said.
However, NEMA provided reassurance to the state’s residents, affirming that security measures have been intensified in the region.
Moreover, preparations for additional support to enhance ongoing operations are underway. The statement assured that the situation is now under control, and efforts are being made to ensure the seamless continuation of operations.
In response to the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that initial investigations conducted by security agencies indicate that the explosion in the area was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
Makinde, who inspected the site of the explosion on Tuesday night, stated that ongoing investigations would hold anyone found responsible accountable. He assured that the government would cover the medical expenses of the victims and pledged support for those whose homes were affected, facilitating their rebuilding efforts.
On the same night, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the explosion but could not determine the exact number of casualties. The command deployed its personnel to prevent any potential law and order issues.
The state government urged residents to leave the incident area to facilitate uninterrupted emergency and rescue operations. In a Wednesday morning update on its official channel, the government emphasized the continuous search and rescue efforts using heavy equipment, promising to provide regular updates on the situation.
