News

Bodija Explosion 2nd Anniversary : Ibadan Residents Call for Compassion

By Web News 240

By Abisola Oluremi

Residents of Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State, have called for government’s intervention, on the devastating explosion that claimed lives and properties two years ago. 

They made the appeal at an interdenominational remembrance service held at All Souls’ Church, Old Bodija, Ibadan, to mark the second anniversary of the tragic incident. 

The remembrance service organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, BERA, in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, was attended by residents, religious and community leaders, as well as government representatives.

Speaking at the service, the President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose who said, many affected families were yet to receive support for their houses due to financial constraints, called for calm amongst the residents. 

Pastor Bamgbose urged the government to prioritise their welfare, and focus on those who were still suffering from the impact of the disaster.

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

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Environment

Bodija Explosion Anniversary: Residents Demands Justice

By Web News 298

By Jeffery Ahonmisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration commitment to the security of lives and property of residents of the state.

Governor Makinde made this known at the 2024 Bodija Estate explosion remembrance service held at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Ibadan.

Represented by the Executive Assistant to the governor on administration, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe, Engineer Makinde noted that the government would not shield anyone found guilty of wrongdoings in the state.

Governor Makinde while commiserating with families of victims of the devastating explosions of 16th January 2024, urged residents to always report any suspicious object or movement to security agencies.

The governor also assured that the constituted committee on the management and disbursement of the Bodija Estate relief fund would reach those who were meant to be compensated.

In his remark, the President Bodija Estate Residents Association, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose stressed that the community was demanding justice and transparency so that families of victims could get closure.

Earlier in a sermon, The Reverend Kunle Kiyesi of All Souls Church, Bodija encouraged those who lost families or property to take solace in the Lord.

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Governance

We did not abandon Bodija Explosion victims – Oyelade

By Web News 308

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State government has debunked the insinuation that it has abandoned the welfare of victims of the Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the rumour is unfair and unnecessary.

The commissioner revealed that ever since the January 16 explosion, the government has been spending between 15 and 20 million naira weekly on accommodation and feeding for the victims in the past eight weeks.

“As we speak, government has spent over 160 million naira on accommodation and feeding alone for the victims who were immediately accommodated at the hotels and the 38 of them still residing in the various hotels.” the commissioner said.

“In the same vein, government has picked up a medical bill of over 17 million naira while those still in hospitals are being actively catered for.”

The commissioner said that seven decent hotels, some in highbrow areas, are being used to accommodate victims of the unfortunate incident.

The commissioner also said that two million naira is spent weekly, amounting to 16 million naira in eight weeks, for security operatives to protect the property left behind by the victims.

On the rumour that some of the victims were ejected from their hotels, the Commissioner for Information said nothing can be further from the truth.

One of the hotels at Idi-Ape informed their occupants that they would like to fumigate their premises and the state government took it upon itself to immediately arrange transportation for the explosion victims to be accommodated in another hotel at Jericho together with members of their families.

The government does not think making an issue of fumigating a facility is the correct thing to do because such exercise is routine and the prerogative of the hotel owners.

On the accusation that victims’ meals have been reduced to one, the government sees this as equally spurious because many hotels provide complimentary breakfast, and most of our wards go out in the daytime, hence, the government’s decision to provide dinner.

Prince Dotun Oyelade said that the government is humbled by the gratitude and understanding shown by the victims and the populace alike who see the genuineness of the government spending millions of naira to protect the property left behind by the victims including the large sums of money spent on their medical bills, accommodation and feeding so far.

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Lifestyle

Bodija Explosion: Iyaloja-General Visits Makinde

By Web News 759

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has visited Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state to empathize with the government over the Bodija explosion, in Ibadan, the state capital. 

The governor received the Iyaloja-General at his Agodi Secretariat Governor’s office in Ibadan shortly after playing host to the leadership of the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Oyo state chapter.

Speaking with journalists shortly after meeting with the Governor, Ms Tinubu-Ojo said her visit was to commiserate with victims of the Ibadan explosion and the people of Oyo state.

The Iyaloja lauded Governor Makinde for his giant strides towards bringing assistance to victims and the approach to disaster management, praying to God to comfort the families of those who lost their loved ones to the tragedy.

“I’m here to commiserate with the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo state over the explosion especially how the Governor is managing the crisis.

” My prayer is that God will not allow such unfortunate occurrence to happen again anywhere in Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.

Politics

PDP BoT Condoles with Bodija Explosion Victims, Visit Site

By Web News 400

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed its deepest sympathy to the victims and families of the explosion in Old Bodija, Ibadan, praying for a quick recovery of those injured. 

The PDP Board of Trustees chairman and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who led other members of the party to the governor on a sympathy visit commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde over the unfortunate blast.

Addressing journalists, Senator Wabara who commended the governor for his quick response on the situation, called for an investigation into the cause of the explosion with a view to taking measures to prevent future recurrence. 

In a remark, Governor Makinde appreciated the visit of the BOT to the state over the explosion describing the incident as very unfortunate.

The governor, however, noted that the visit of the members who came from different geopolitical zones demonstrated that the unity of the nation is very important. 

The members of the PDP BoT later visited the “Ground Zero” of the explosion in Bodija to assess the level of damage on the site.

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Human Angle

Bodija Explosion: Most Victims Discharged from Hospitals – Makinde

By Web News 389

*Death Toll Stands at Five

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde says 90 per cent of victims of last Tuesday’s explosion have been discharged from various hospitals.

He noted that the Medical Team of the Emergency Operations Centre and the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, were at two of the hospitals attending to victims on Saturday.

The governor stated this in an update on the incident, which was released on Sunday, noting that the death toll so far still stood at five.

Governor Makinde added that a clinical psychologist has begun counseling for victims of the incident at the Emergency Operations Centre located at the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan.

Commending security agencies in the state for maintaining law and order around Bodija, the location of the blast, the governor stated that “security agencies are still investigating the incident and an update on their investigation will be publicised.

He equally lauded the residents of the area for complying with the directives from the security agents, saying, his administration remains committed to supporting all victims of this unfortunate incident and ensuring that everyone responsible is brought to book.

He said: “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 in the company of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, visited two of the hospitals where victims from the incident were taken and over 90 per cent of the victims have been discharged.

“The death toll from the incident currently stands at five persons.

“The clinical psychologist has commenced counselling for victims of the incident at the Emergency Operations Centre in Ibadan.”

Governor Makinde added that search and rescue operations have ended at the Dejo Oyelese Close site of the explosion and that recovery efforts have begun.

He appreciated the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who according to him, have begun carrying out structural integrity tests on about 230 properties around the site of the blast. This was as he expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to support Oyo State.

“The operations at Ground Zero have moved from search and rescue to recovery.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Society of Engineers who have been carrying out 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.

“We are also grateful to my brother, Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to support us, and for the assistance offered by the team led by Engineer Olatunde Akinsanya, the Director of Operations.

“Please contact the Emergency Operations Centre on 07049948057 or 08147672009 for any issues related to the Bodija Incident.”

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Security

Adeleke Calls for Thorough Investigation into Bodija Explosion

By Web News 636

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo

The recent explosion in the Bodija Area of Ibadan in Oyo State must be thoroughly investigated.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who stated this in a condolence message by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described the incident as sad and unfortunate.

Governor Adeleke commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State government and the people of the state over the explosion.

“I commiserate with my Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Government and the entire people of Oyo State especially those affected by the Ibadan explosion. It is a really sad thing happening at the beginning of the year.” 

“This incident is not only sad and unfortunate but also a huge economic blow to many families in the affected area”.

The governor prayed for those who lost their loved ones and that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss and those who have lost property that God will help them to recover their loss.

Governor Adeleke, while calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, commended security operatives and rescue workers who swung into action since the incident happened.

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Lifestyle

Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Makinde on Bodija Explosion

By Web News 448

By Rasheedah Makinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has condoled with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the tragic Ibadan explosion.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who stated this on his social media platform said his prayers were with the families of the victims describing the incident as disheartening and which calls for unity and support in these challenging times.

He, commended Governor Makinde for his swift response in the wake of the disaster and the collaboration of agencies.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, pledged the support of Lagos state in providing the help required during this trying time in Oyo State.

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Crime

Bodija Explosion: Rescue Operation Continues

By Web News 780

By Iyabo Adebisi, Olawale Asake

Rescue operations have continued at the scene of the explosion that rocked the Old Bodija area of Ibadan where scores of people were injured and many houses destroyed. 

Our correspondent who is presently at the scene of the incident reports that security operatives, officers of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA including men of the Red Cross Society are on the ground to manage the situation. 

The gates which led to the street where the incident occurred have been cordoned off for rescue operations. 

As at the time of filling this report, thousands of sympathizers have besieged the scene of the incident. 

In an interview, one of the residents, Bernard Akpan described the incident as unfortunate. 

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier paid an on-the-spot assessment of the area and promised that the governorate would foot the bills of the injured persons.

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Crime

Bodija Explosion: Explosives stored by illegal miners responsible – Makinde

By Web News 643

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has disclosed that illegal miners operating in the state were responsible for the explosion which occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

He stated this following an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.  

Governor Makinde noted that so far 77 persons were injured with two fatalities praying for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for God to give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The governor said preliminary investigation has it that the illegal miners had stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the explosion while the wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. 

He said he has directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government, noting that temporary accommodation would be provided for those whose houses were affected. 

Governor Makinde urged all residents to please call 615 for any emergency they might 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. 

He said, “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.”

“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 two 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”.

“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.

It would be recalled that many persons were hospitalised as a result of the explosion which affected houses in the Adeyi Area of Old Bodija, Ibadan.

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