A massive explosion that shook Ibadan on Tuesday night was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners in a residential area, according to the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
The governor, who visited the scene of the blast in Bodija, Ibadan, on Wednesday, said the investigation was still ongoing and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The blast, which occurred at about 7:44 pm on Tuesday, claimed the lives of two people and injured 77 others, some of whom were rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) and other nearby hospitals.
Makinde expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the state government would cover the medical bills of all the victims. He also said the government would provide temporary accommodation for those who lost their homes in the blast and assist them to rebuild their lives.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night,” Makinde said in a statement.
“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.
“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.”
The governor urged the residents of Ibadan to remain calm and call 615 for any emergency they might be experiencing at this time. He also advised them to stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.
“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book,” Makinde said.
