The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that more than 20 houses were impacted by the explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
In a release issued on Wednesday, NEMA reported the absence of casualty figures as of now.
The statement also disclosed that the explosion on Tuesday night in the Bodija area of Ibadan was caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device.
Residents of Ibadan experienced panic due to the explosion at Dejo Oyelese Street.
“Over 20 houses were affected. Casualty figures can not be ascertained for now. Search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” the agency said.
NEMA, however, assured residents of the state that security has been beefed up in the area while arrangements for more support to facilitate the operations are in progress, saying, “the situation has been brought under control while arrangements are going on to ensure smooth operation.”
In response to the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that preliminary investigations conducted by security agencies indicated that the explosion in the area was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion on Tuesday night, mentioned that while further investigations were underway, anyone found responsible would be held accountable.
He also revealed that the “medical bills of victims will be picked by the government” while promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected were ‘supported to rebuild their lives.”
In the meantime, the Oyo State Police Command officially acknowledged the explosion on Tuesday night.
Nevertheless, the command mentioned that the exact number of casualties from the incident remained uncertain, emphasizing the deployment of their personnel to prevent any potential disruption of law and order.
The state government, on the other hand, has urged residents to evacuate the site of the incident.
According to the government on its X handle Wednesday morning, “this will enable emergency and rescue efforts to continue at the site without interference. Search and rescue efforts using earth-moving equipment continued throughout the night and remain ongoing. We will keep providing updates about the situation.”