In a situation report released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South West Zonal Office, it has been confirmed that the explosion at Adeyi Estate in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, was caused by improved explosive devices (IEDs), News About Nigeria reports.
The distress alert for the explosion was received at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with the zonal coordinator stating that mobilised response agencies were swiftly deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, it was observed that the explosion, suspected to be caused by IEDs, had impacted over 20 houses.
The casualty figures remain unascertained, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Stakeholders present at the scene include the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigeria Army, Federal and State Fire Service, Nigerian Red Cross, State Ministry of Environment, and Amotekun Corps.
Additional resources are being mobilised to support ongoing operations.
Security has been heightened in the area, with arrangements for more support to facilitate operations in progress.
The situation is reported to be under control, and efforts are ongoing to ensure a smooth operation.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State confirmed that 77 people sustained injuries in the explosion, with two fatalities.
He noted that injured people were taken to public and private hospitals in Ibadan, and after receiving treatment, have been discharged.
Preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosive devices causing the blast were stored by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.
Governor Makinde assured that medical personnel are on standby to provide all necessary assistance to the injured, and visits have been made to the University College Hospital (UCH) to check on those affected by the incident.
The governor expressed sympathy for the victims and emphasised the need for vigilance and collaboration to prevent such incidents in the future.
