Many feared dead, buildings destroyed as explosion rocks Ibadan

At least two people have died with the fear that the figure could rise, and several people have also been injured, with buildings worth millions of naira damaged as a result of a suspected explosion that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Residents of the ancient city were on Tuesday, at about 8 p.m., thrown into confusion as the explosion rocked parts of the city, leaving people scampering for safety.

Because the explosion was heard in many parts of the ancient city, there was confusion about its exact cause and location. While some residents described the incident as a tremor, others said it could have been a gas explosion or a blast from an improvised explosive device.

Various accounts listed some of the affected areas, including Eleyele, Ologuneru, Owalla, Ekerin, Isokan, Apete, and parts of the University College Hospital (UCH), where windows were reportedly shattered.

Other affected places included Gbaremu, Mokola, Bodija, Oke-Itunu, Basorun, Akobo, and Sango. Sections of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the late Bola Ige, were also reportedly affected.

Roads were also deserted, as many residents were forced to stay indoors.

A resident, Dejo Olugbodi, suggested that the explosion might have occurred around Dejo Oyelese area behind the secretariat.

“I was on my way to visit my friend, whose house is about 300 metres from Dejo Oyelese. By the time I got to Oyelese, I couldn’t go further; I had to retrace my steps.

“It is an explosion. The house is badly damaged. I saw injured people being moved to the hospital,” Mr Olugbodi narrated.

Some victims of the incident have been admitted to various hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH).

In a statement by Dotun Oyelade, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the government said there were various interpretations of the explosion, but that its cause has not been ascertained.

Mr Oyelade, however, assured residents that the state government was in control of the situation.

He said security agencies in the state have deployed their officials to contain the spillover from the explosion.

“Governor Seyi Makinde implores citizens to calm down and be assured that their interests are being looked after,” the spokesperson added.

In the meantime, Adewale Oyefeso, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the explosion happened around Dejo Oyelese street, Bodija, Ibadan, at about 7:44 p.m. He, however, could not confirm its cause.