The aftermath of the recent explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan, has raised concerns as recovery operations led by Prof. Temitope Alonge, Chairman and Head of the Emergency Operation Centre for the incident, revealed not only dead bodies but also body parts in the debris, News About Nigeria reports.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who arrived in Ibadan to assess the situation, expressed shock at the extent of the destruction caused by the explosions.
Governor Seyi Makinde had presented a report on the incident to President Bola Tinubu, stating that five people have been confirmed dead, with 77 others injured in the blast.
Prof. Alonge, briefing Minister Alake during his visit to the epicentre of the explosion, said, “Many of the buildings within the 500-meter radius did not pass the integrity test. We had two fatalities at that time, but on Tuesday night, there were three fatalities. One of them came to help people. Another woman was impaled. Those were identified that day.”
He continued, “But, on Wednesday, we picked up some body parts. We had to wait for the safety of the medical staff. We were told of a woman who came out wanting to rescue her mistress. Unfortunately, the mistress had been taken to the UCH. She decided to run into the house. She was impaled by the rubbles.”
Minister Alake expressed surprise at how the suspected miners managed to conceal explosives that wreaked havoc for years without detection.
He emphasised the need for residents to report suspicious activities without revealing their identities, assuring that the information would be treated confidentially.
Alake stressed that the Federal Government would await the forensic report of the investigation before making any categorical statements.
He also mentioned the presence of geologists from the University of Ibadan conducting integrity tests on the epicentre and surrounding structures.
The recovery operations continue, and investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the incident.
