On Wednesday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Nigeria’s Oyo state reported at least two fatalities and numerous injuries caused by explosives detonating at a private residence.
The blast, which occurred on Tuesday, left behind collapsed houses and damaged vehicles, prompting emergency services and security officials to conduct a search and rescue operation in Ibadan, the state capital.
Witnesses described the chaotic aftermath, with panicked residents spilling into the streets. Bulldozers were employed to clear debris in the affected neighborhood, located approximately 130 km from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Some houses suffered structural damage, with blown-off roofs and shattered windows.
The blast site, cordoned off by the police, revealed a substantial crater, indicative of the powerful explosion. Survivors shared harrowing experiences, such as Olaitan Okanlawon, a mother of two, who recounted the terrifying moment when her house collapsed, resulting in injuries, including to her back.
Governor Makinde, in a statement, confirmed two fatalities and reported that 77 individuals had received treatment for injuries, with most being discharged.
Preliminary investigations pointed to illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija as the culprits, storing explosive devices that triggered the blast.
In response to the disaster, Governor Makinde pledged the state government’s commitment to providing temporary accommodation for those who lost their homes in the tragic incident.
