A man named Adeleke, who survived the explosion at Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday night, revealed that he lost his elder brother in the incident.
It was previously reported that the explosion occurred in various parts of the state capital, with online videos capturing dusty clouds, burning houses, and cars.
Adeleke, speaking to the local broadcasting station, Lagelu FM, recounted that they were playing tennis at a hotel in the area when his brother decided to step out to attend to something just before the explosion occurred.
The blast caused a commotion, and a sharp object struck his brother, resulting in a deep cut to his stomach.
Adeleke said, “He came out to the front of the transformer, where the incident happened. His intestines were out after the cut.”
He recognized his deceased brother as Oladipupo and mentioned that Oladipupo was quickly taken to Adeoyo General Hospital right after the incident.
Survivor Olaitan Okanlawon recounted that the incident occurred at approximately 7 pm, triggered by an unusual sound.
“I was inside with my husband and kids. And we started hearing strange sounds and vibrations, it was not clear until we began to see rubble outside the window.
“One of my kids has a cut on his head and is being attended to, we have moved out our stuff to the hotel,” she added.
In response to the incident, State Governor Seyi Makinde reported that initial findings from security agencies indicate that the explosion in the area was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.
READ ALSO: Ibadan Explosion: In Total, We Have 77 Injured Victims; Govt Will Cover Medical Bills—Makinde
The blast resulted in at least 10 feared fatalities and 15 individuals being hospitalized. The impact extended to various locations, including the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and residences in Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele.
Governor Makinde, who visited the explosion site on Tuesday night, emphasized that ongoing investigations would determine accountability, and individuals found responsible would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday night.
The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but the command assured the public of sufficient police deployment to prevent any potential unrest.
(PUNCH)