Although, the National Emergency Management Agency has said no specific number can be given to the casualties, an eyewitness said he could identify a UK returnee.
In a video circulating on social media, Ayode Jajaye, a resident of the Housing Estate at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, said the UK returnee, was the son of one of the landlords.
Jajaye said: “Look at the guy that just died, he just came from the UK about a week ago. He’s a son to a landlord in this estate.”
Speaking about the degree of the damage, Jajaye also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to investigate the incident.
“My conclusion is that the government should investigate this situation. The casualties are too much; look at the damages, we can’t just look away. There are so many collateral damages that have happened,” he added.
Makinde had attributed the incident to illegal miners, saying investigation was ongoing.
The Governor said preliminary investigation revealed that the illegal miners had stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the explosion.
In a statement after visiting the site and other hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment, the Governor also confirmed that two people have died while 77 were injured and being treated in public and private hospitals around.
He posted the statement on his verified X Page (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of Wednesday.
He said, “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”
The Governor also promised that the state government would offset the hospital Bills of those that were injured and also directed all Hotels to accommodate those who have been displaced as a result of the blast.
His statement read: “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.
“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.
“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident. In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”
The Governor urged 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.
“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” he added.
