A survivor of the explosion at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, identified as Adeleke, recounted the tragic incident, revealing that he lost his elder brother, Oladipupo, in the explosion. Adeleke explained that they were playing tennis at a nearby hotel when his brother went to the front of a transformer, seeking to attend to something, and was caught in the blast. The explosion caused a sharp object to cut deep into his brother’s stomach, resulting in fatal injuries. Adeleke shared the harrowing experience during an interview with Lagelu FM.
Another survivor, Olaitan Okanlawon, described the incident, which occurred around 7 pm, as initially marked by strange sounds and vibrations. She and her family were inside when they heard the explosion and witnessed debris outside the window. One of her children sustained a head injury, and they promptly moved out to the safety of a nearby hotel.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that preliminary investigations by security agencies indicated that explosive devices stored by illegal miners caused the explosion. The blast resulted in at least 10 feared deaths and 15 people hospitalized. The impact extended to various areas, including the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and residences in Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele.
While visiting the scene, Governor Makinde assured that further investigations were ongoing, and anyone found responsible for the incident would be held accountable. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the explosion, stating that the number of casualties remained unknown, but they had deployed personnel to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
