A massive explosion that rocked Ibadan on Tuesday, killing three people and injuring several others, was caused by a Malian who was involved in illegal mining activities in Oyo State, according to residents of the area.
The blast occurred at Dejo Oyelese close, Bodija Housing Estate, where the Malian had rented a house and stored explosives used for mining. The explosion was so powerful that it destroyed 58 houses and sent shockwaves across the city.
Residents of Adeyi Avenue, where the incident happened, told DAILY POST that the Malian had been living there for over a year and was known to operate in the Oke Ogun area, where he mined gold and other minerals.
They said he had fled his previous residence after his fellow tenants petitioned the authorities about his suspicious activities. They also claimed that he and his family members escaped before the explosion, leaving behind documents that exposed his identity and illegal business.
The residents expressed their anger and frustration over the incident, saying that the Malian and his accomplices had taken over their neighbourhood and endangered their lives. They called on the government and security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who visited the scene of the blast, said he had ordered a probe into the incident and vowed to fish out those responsible. He also said he had contacted the federal government and the Malian embassy to ascertain the foreign involvement in the explosion.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, also dispatched an anti-bomb unit to Ibadan to assist in the investigation and prevent further attacks. He urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the police.
The explosion in Ibadan has raised serious concerns over the security and environmental implications of illegal mining in Nigeria, especially by foreigners who exploit the country’s mineral resources without regulation or taxation. Experts have warned that illegal mining poses a threat to national stability, public health, and ecological balance.
