EXPLOSION:  IBADAN MALL COLLAPSE CAUSE YET UNKNOWN SAYS OYO POLICE 

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EXPLOSION:  IBADAN MALL COLLAPSE CAUSE YET UNKNOWN SAYS OYO POLICE 

… As The State Governor Calls For Calmness

Following the explosion that rocked the major city in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, the Oyo state Police command has said the cause of Tuesday’s night explosion in a major part of Ibadan, the state capital was unknown as of press time.

”The cause of the explosion is unknown and the Number of Dead and Injured is yet unknown as search continues.

Ample deployment on the ground. Updates coming up soon.”

The statement reads, ”Explosion around Dejo Oyelese Street Bodija Ibadan around 7:44 pm today (Tuesday) 17/01/2024.

On the other hand, the Oyo state government has called for calmness from members of the public, particularly Residents of Ibadan and its environs over an explosion that rocked some parts of the state capital on Tuesday night.

According to the information,  the explosion which happened at about 8 pm on Tuesday affected residential buildings, hotels, shopping malls and other buildings around major areas of Bodija, Agbowo, Ojoo, Sango and Akobo among others.

An eyewitness reports, there were many casualties following the explosion but the number of affected people could not be verified as of press time.

A statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation on Tuesday night and released to newsmen, urged residents of the state not to panic as the relevant authorities are on top of the situation.

“Residents of Ibadan and the immediate environment experienced an uncommon explosion about 8 pm this evening.

Survivors Recount Near Death Experience

Survivors of the explosion that occurred at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday claimed that dynamite used by miners triggered the explosion which led to loss of lives and property in the community.

One of the survivors identified only as Alhaji Mohammed said, “When the spark started, it was from the electricals and I brought out my fire extinguisher trying to help. My neighbour told me that it had passed an extinguisher and we needed to call the fire service. I told my son to bring my phone for me to call the fire service before the fire touched dynamite brought home by some miners in the building.

“The explosion threw me away and I thought I was dead. My children and wife are currently at the hospital receiving treatment.”

Another survivor who identified himself as Olaide, noted that they were called out to help douse a fire when the dynamite exploded.

He said, “We didn’t know that they brought anything home. We were only trying to help when we fell. I didn’t know when I woke up. I just found myself lying on the floor. It was scary.”

Lives, property lost

It was reported that no fewer than 20 victims being rescued while some were dead.

However, the total number of casualties remained unknown as of reason time.

Not less than 20 houses were affected in the explosion and at least 10 houses were completely damaged.

Our correspondent counted at least 15 vehicles that were completely damaged and more than five cars partly destroyed.

Search and rescue operations ongoing

As of press time, a rescue operation was still ongoing at the site of the explosion.

Rescue workers believed that some persons were still trapped under the rubble and efforts were ongoing to rescue them.

Officials of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are investigating to confirm the type of explosive that triggered the explosion.

Oyo gov, police react

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, arrived at the scene of the explosion around 11pm on Tuesday and called for calm.

He said, “We have to be calm. Let us allow the experts to do their job and we should please move away from the site because we don’t know if there can be another secondary explosion.”

The state government had earlier called for calm in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.

The statement partly read, “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.

“There are various interpretations of the incident but we need to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence to mitigate the incident.

“All security service chiefs including paramilitary chiefs and fire operatives have been deployed by the governor to rein 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 state Police PRO, Adewale Osifeso, informed that the police command is working with other agencies to get the exact number of casualties from the incident.

He said, “This doesn’t involve the police alone, we are working with emergency services and other agencies. Immediately there’s an update, we are going to brief you.”

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