Explainer: What Is Happening In Ibadan?

Two people have been confirmed dead with several others injured, following an explosion in Ibadan. At approximately 7:20 pm on January 16, 2024, a devastating explosion rocked through Adeyi avenue in Bodija, it was heard and felt by houses and persons within  500m of the explosion site , leaving behind a trail of destruction.  

Contrary to initial reports,  there has been no evidence of any illegal mining site in the area. Residents  and witnesses have confirmed that the explosion was triggered by a fire outbreak in another  house, which engulfed neighboring structures. One of the houses where the fire spread contained explosives , stored by local miners who lived  in the area. The flames reached these explosives, leading to a catastrophic explosion that leveled several homes.

Tragically, lives were lost, and many have been confirmed injured in the explosion. Public structures like Ace Mall Bodija, Domino’s Pizza, the Governor’s office and buildings at the Secretariat partially crashed due to the impact of the tremor.  Emergency response was timely,  about an hour after the blast, search and rescue operations started to  find and save trapped individuals  from the rubble. 77 people have been confirmed injured, many of whom have been taken to the University Teaching Hospital and other neighboring hospitals. There have been  calls for blood donation on social media too to ease the pressure on the blood banks. 

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Governor Seyi Makinde in an official response  to the  tragedy has  offered free treatment for the victims.  Similarly, he has directed for temporary accommodations to  be provided for those whose homes were affected, and support extended to help rebuild their lives. He also charged the residents to remain calm and assured that their interests will be looked after.

“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.”

Following the tragedy, words of commiseration have begun to pour in from different quarters. In a post on X, the governor of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu has commended the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde in addressing the situation. He also sent his thoughts and prayers to the victims, offering that Lagos is “ready to provide any support required during these times.”

Security agencies are conducting preliminary investigations, which have revealed that illegal miners had stored explosive devices in one of the houses, ultimately causing the blast. They have also promised to arrest and prosecute all culpable parties.