Nigeria: Unprecedented Explosion Rocks Ibadan, Leaving Buildings in Ruins
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
Residents of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, were plunged into fear as an enormous explosion echoed through various parts of the city yesterday. The deafening sound, akin to a massive explosion, rattled windows and structures across the metropolis, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Despite early reports suggesting potential casualties, the true extent of the damage and any loss of life remained unclear at the time of this report. The cause of the Ibadan explosion, which occurred minutes before 8 pm, is yet to be determined, adding an element of uncertainty to the already alarming situation.
The impact of the explosion reached significant locations, including the School of Nursing hostel at the University College Hospital, where the intense sound shattered windows. Residents from areas such as Ologuneru, Owalla, Isokan, Ekerin, Eleyele, and parts of Apete reported feeling the ground shake during the incident.
Reports from various neighborhoods painted a chaotic picture, with instances of gates and fences shaking but not collapsing. Affected areas included Olodo, Apata, Iyana church, Sango, Agbowo, Bodija Housing, among others. Conflicting accounts surfaced regarding the nature of the explosion, with some residents describing it as a heavy thud, while others heard a loud bang.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed significant damage, with a popular mall at Bodija Housing Estate seeing all its roofs collapse. Unfortunately, the incident also attracted opportunistic criminal behavior, as hoodlums took advantage of the chaos to loot the mall.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State confirming the explosion around Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija Ibadan. As of now, the cause remains unknown, and efforts are ongoing to assess the situation and conduct rescue operations.
The response from the Oyo State government has been swift, with the Special Adviser on Security ensuring that victims are taken to available hospitals, and the state covering the medical expenses. Additionally, plans are in place to deploy construction companies with lighting equipment and cranes to aid rescue efforts.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the explosion, with emergency responders dispatched to the scene. The Oyo State Commissioner for Information emphasized that the government is in full control of the situation, urging citizens to remain calm as efforts are made to address the aftermath of this unprecedented event.
As investigations continue to identify the cause of the explosion, the residents of Ibadan are left grappling with the shockwaves of an incident that has disrupted their lives and raised concerns about the safety and security of their community.
