Ibadan city, the Oyo State capital, was panicked on Tuesday evening as many buildings were shattered following the terrific vibration from an unexplained explosion that rocked part of Old Bodija, in the ancient city.
REPORTERS AT LARGE gathered that the loud explosion was heard in some parts of the city, including Oke Itunu, Bodija, Omi Adio, Apete, University College Hospital (UCH), Mokola, and Idi Isin.
The explosion happened in the city’s Bodija area.
It was gathered that many buildings were badly affected, while the UCH School of Nursing, where hostel windows were shattered by shockwaves, was one of the areas most affected by the explosion.
It was also gathered that many lives have been lost to the ugly incidents, but the number of casualties could not be ascertained at the time of filling in this report.
The cause of the explosion was not yet ascertained at the time of filling in this report.
Meanwhile, the Oyo government has called for calm, assuring security service chiefs, including para-military chiefs and Fire Operatives, have been deployed by the governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.
A statement released by the state commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, reads, “Residents of Ibadan and the immediate environment experienced an uncommon explosion about 8 pm this evening.
“There are various interpretations of the incident, but we need to state 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 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.”
However, there are viral videos online, showing dusty clouds, burning houses, and cars, as the explosion has been trending on various social media platforms.
Details later…
