Over 90% of Ibadan explosion victims discharged

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that over 90 per cent of the victims of the explosion that rocked the Adeyi area of Old Bodija in the ancient Ibadan city have been discharged.

He noted that investigations into the explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street, which has claimed five lives thus far are ongoing, while he also thanked the residents for their cooperation with security operatives.

Makinde stated this via his X handle on Sunday, stating, “I commend our security agencies in Oyo State who have been maintaining law and order in around Bodija this week as well as residents who have been complying with directives from these officers.

“Yesterday, the medical team at the Emergency Operations Centre and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, visited two of the hospitals where victims from the incident were taken and over 90% of the victims have been discharged. The death toll from the incident currently stands at five persons.

“The security agencies are still investigating the incident and an update on their investigation will be publicised.”

The governor stated that victims of the incident have begun undergoing counselling at the Emergency Operations Centre in Ibadan.

Makinde noted that “structural integrity tests on about 230 properties around the site of the explosion; 13 houses within 50 metres radius of the blast site, 40 houses at 100 metres radius; 122 houses at 200 metres radius and 53 houses within a 250 metres radius” has commenced as rescue operations are in top gear.

The governor thanked the Nigerian Society of Engineers and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support.

Makinde stressed that his administration remains “committed to supporting all victims of this unfortunate incident and ensuring that everyone responsible is brought to book.”

Several reports have emerged from the explosion as victims recount their experiences.

In a statement released on Friday, BON Hotel Nest Ibadan stated that its operations manager, Tunde Solomon, passed away due to a heart attack linked to the explosion near the hotel in Bodija.

A 27-year-old male, Oluwatobiloba Alao, is still recovering having suffered memory loss due to the attack.

His place of work, according to his younger brother, Joseph, is the third house from where the explosion happened.

A survivor, Mr. Abiola AbduIsalam, said he jumped from a storey building on Dejo Oyelese Street, where the explosion happened, to save his life.