The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that more than 20 houses were impacted by the explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday night. NEMA stated on Wednesday that there is no confirmed information on casualties yet and identified a suspected Improvised Explosive Device as the cause of the explosion. Panic ensued among residents when the incident occurred at Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija.
While search and rescue operations are ongoing, NEMA assured residents of heightened security in the area. Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that preliminary investigations point to explosive devices stored by illegal miners as the cause of the blast. The governor, who visited the scene, pledged government support for medical bills and assistance for those affected.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the explosion on Tuesday night, emphasizing an unknown casualty count. The state government has appealed to residents to evacuate the area to facilitate emergency efforts.
