Ibadan Explosion: Report Fingers Illegal Miners – Gov Makinde

• Says two dead, 77 injured in blast

Preliminary investigations by security agencies have identified explosive devices stored by illegal miners as the cause of the flare-up that rocked the Bodija Area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday, according to Governor Seyi Makinde,

The Governor, who visited the incident scene on Tuesday night, said though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to book.

He tweeted on Wednesday that; “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.”.

Though unconfirmed reports indicated that about 10 bodies were recovered from the wreckage and driven away in ambulances, the governor said official information reaching him shows that two people died in the incident while 77 others were injured.

Further posts on his official X handle stated thus; “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”

In urging residents to remain calm given the ongoing rescue operations at the explosion scene, Governor Makinde said; “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.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference”

Reports indicated that no fewer than 10 persons were feared dead with about 15 others currently hospitalized following the detonation that also affected a section of the Governor’s Office, the Oyo State House of Assembly, the State Secretariat, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, as well as some buildings at New Garage, Bashorun, Ologuneru, Eleyele, Apete, Akobo, and Sango areas of the State.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde has promised that the “medical bills of victims will be picked by the government”, even as he assured that all those whose houses are affected would be “supported to rebuild their lives”