A tragic explosion occurred on Tuesday night at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. One survivor, identified as Adeleke, revealed that his elder brother lost his life in the incident. Speaking to a local broadcasting station, Lagelu FM, Adeleke recounted that they were playing tennis at a nearby hotel when the explosion occurred. His brother went outside and sustained a deep cut in his stomach from a sharp object propelled by the explosion.
“He came out to the front of the transformer where the incident happened. His intestines were out after the cut,” Adeleke stated, adding that his late brother, Oladipupo, was immediately rushed to Adeoyo General Hospital.
Another survivor, Olaitan Okanlawon, explained that the incident, which happened around 7 pm, was accompanied by strange sounds and vibrations. She reported injuries to her family members, with one of her kids suffering a cut on the head.
The explosion affected various areas in Ibadan, including the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and several residential and commercial buildings in locations such as Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele.
Governor Seyi Makinde, after visiting the scene, disclosed that preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion resulted from explosive devices stored by illegal miners. The governor expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that thorough investigations would be conducted, promising to hold anyone found culpable accountable.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the explosion, stating that the number of casualties remains unknown. Adequate deployment of police personnel has been undertaken to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order in the affected areas. The situation has prompted heightened security measures and a call for vigilance as investigations continue.