Ibadan Explosion: Illegal Mining Blamed for Deadly Blast in Nigeria

A deadly explosion in Ibadan, Nigeria, overnight has been attributed to explosives stored by illegal miners, according to the Oyo state governor. The blast resulted in two fatalities and left 77 others injured, impacting seven suburbs of the city.

Rescue efforts are underway as crowds gather at the blast site. Witnesses describe the devastation, with buildings reduced to rubble and vehicles destroyed. Even farther from the epicenter, houses display blown-out windows and damaged rooftops.

An individual whose mother’s home was destroyed shares a distressing account. His mother was in bed during the blast and was rushed to the hospital. He describes the immediate aftermath as “the roof and everything went down.”

The explosion, which occurred around 19:45 local time in the Bodija residential district, reverberated across Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

Eyewitnesses report scenes of chaos and uncertainty. A painter, unable to locate his missing boss, recounts the destruction, saying, “I have been calling him, but the number is not connecting, and I saw that his vehicle has been destroyed.”

Governor Seyi Makinde, in a Facebook statement, assures that those responsible for the explosion will be held accountable. He pledges government support, covering medical bills for victims and providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected.

The incident highlights the dangers associated with illegal mining activities and raises concerns about safety measures and regulations in such operations.