The Old Bodija, off Adeyi area of Ibadan, in Nigeria’s Oyo State is in disarray as deadly explosion killed some people, injured others and destroyed several houses.
The loud explosion reverberated the area has caused significant destruction in Bodija and resulting in injuries, according to witnesses.
Though the cause of the incident which occurred about a few minutes after 8 p.m on Tuesday is not known, it is feared that the bomb blast occurred in one of the buildings in the area.
Vanguard reported that several persons are still trapped under rubble in some of the houses destroyed while both injured and dead bodies have been taken to major hospitals in the ancient city.
While some journalists said scores were killed, others reported the death of two persons during the blast.
Security operatives comprising the army and the police anti-bomb units have been deployed to affected areas while search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
The impact of the explosion extended beyond Bodija, with reports of the sound reaching areas such as Apete, Ojoo, UI, Moniya, Awotan, Alaro/Poly Ibadan, and Jeje.
Residents recounted feeling their houses shake, and some reported damage to their windows. The situation is under investigation as authorities work to uncover more details about the blast.
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However, the Commissioner of Police in the company of some senior officers and other responders, are on ground for on the spot assessment and rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to residents of the state to remain calm as the state government has taken full control of the situation.
A statement from the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade reads: “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8 p.m. this evening.”
“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,’’ the statement enjoined.
Earlier, the Oyo State Police command had said that the cause of the explosion that rocked Ibadan on Tuesday night is not yet known as efforts are ongoing to ascertain the number of casualties involved in the incident.
