‘Three injured’, buildings destroyed as explosion rocks Ibadan

At least three persons were said to have been seriously injured in an explosion that occurred at Adeyi Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Six houses are also said to have been destroyed by the explosion that happened on Dejo Oyeleye Street at Adeyi Avenue.

A loud bang was heard and vibration was felt across several locations in Ibadan at about 7:45 p.m.

The cause of the explosion was unknown at press time.

Unconfirmed reports say the explosion emanated from a gas plant around the UI-Bodija axis of the city.

Some affected persons shared pictures and videos of broken window glasses from their apartments.

Men of the anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria police, firefighters and operatives of the Amotekun security outfit are reported to have arrived at the scene of the explosion.

A resident of the area who did not want to be named said the three injured persons were taken to a hospital.

However, the police command in Oyo said no causality was recorded in the incident.

In a statement, Adewale Osifeso, police spokesperson in the state, said ” the cause of the explosion is unknown, and no casualty could be confirmed as the search continues”.

“The Commissioner of Police Oyo State Command, in the company of some senior officers and other responders, is on the ground for on the spot assessment and rescue operation,” the statement reads.

“The Oyo State Police Command has also deployed armed and plain clothe officers to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”

Also, the Oyo state government in a post on its official X handle urged residents to remain calm.

“The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan. Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident,” the post reads.

In one of the videos from the scene of the explosion seen by TheCable, residents were heard calling for help to rescue injured people.

Meanwhile, Dotun Oyelade, the commissioner for information in Oyo state, in a statement said relevant security agencies have been deployed to the scene of the incident.

“Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening,” the statement reads.

“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in in order to mitigate the incident.

“All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.

“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”

Videos out of Ibadan following reported explosion https://t.co/4wnYqIubmE

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— Naija (@Naija_PR) January 16, 2024

Someone's Apartment After the Wierd Sound in Ibadan a while ago pic.twitter.com/wpsNh3g54y

— Bọ̀dá AbímbólÁdèdàpo Data Vendor (@3plebim) January 16, 2024