Explosion claims 3 lives and Injures 77 in Ibadan–Makinde
Ibadan— Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday said that three people died and 77 others were injured after a massive blast caused by explosives rocked more than 20 buildings in one of Nigeria’s largest cities Tuesday night.
Shadanpamaeporters report that emergency operations still ongoing as rescue workers dug through the rubble in search of those feared trapped.
Recalled that residents heard a loud blast at about 7:45 p.m., causing panic as many fled their homes.
By Wednesday morning, security forces cordoned off the area while medical personnel and ambulances were on standby as rescue efforts intensified.
Makinde, after visiting the site I Bodija Area of Ibadan said that the preliminary investigations showed that the blast was caused by explosives stored for use in illegal mining operations.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo state to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations,” Makinde said.
Describing the damage as “devastating”, the governor said that rescue workers combing through the collapsed structures recovered one more body on Wednesday morning, increasing the death toll to three.
It was not immediately clear who stored the explosives, and no arrest has been announced.
“The investigations are ongoing (and) all those found culpable for this will be brought to book,” Gov. Makinde said.
The governor, who said that most of the 77 injured had already been discharged, vowed to bring to book those who directly or indirectly we’re involved in the cause of the incident.
He promised to cover the medical bills of others still being admitted and to provide temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected.
Makinde revealed that President Bola Tinubu had called him on phone to commiserate with the state and.had directed emergency operatives to swing into action.
Dozens of residents trooped to the vicinity where some of the injured were being treated in ambulances. Surrounding the area are buildings covered in dust and either destroyed in whole or in part as a result of the blast that also left a massive crater.
Illegal mining in mineral-rich Nigeria is common and has been a major concern for authorities.
However, it is mostly done in remote areas where arrests are difficult and where safety procedures are rarely followed. (shadanpamaeporters)
