Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the commencement of structural integrity test for 230 buildings affected by the explosion that shook Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, 16 January 2024.
The devastating incident claimed the lives of five individuals, left nearly 80 people injured, and caused extensive damage to numerous houses and vehicles, rendering thousands of residents homeless.
In an update on Sunday evening, Governor Makinde revealed that structural integrity tests were underway for 230 buildings near the explosion site, conducted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Providing further information, the governor stated that over 90% of the victims admitted to two hospitals had been discharged, and clinical counseling had commenced for those affected. Makinde expressed appreciation for the efforts of security agencies in maintaining law and order in and around Bodija, while also commending residents for their cooperation with directives.
In a social media post on his official handle, Governor Makinde shared, “I commend our security agencies in Oyo State who have been maintaining law and order in around Bodija this week as well as residents who have been complying with directives from these officers.
“Yesterday, the medical team at the Emergency Operations Centre and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, visited two of the hospitals where victims from the incident were taken and over 90% of the victims have been discharged. The death toll from the incident currently stands at five persons.
“The clinical psychologist has commenced counselling for victims of the incident at the Emergency Operations Centre in Ibadan.
“The operations at Ground Zero have moved from search and rescue to recovery. Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Society of Engineers who have been carrying out structural integrity tests on about 230 properties around the site of the explosion; 13 houses within 50 metres radius of the blast site, 40 houses at 100 metres radius; 122 houses at 200 metres radius and 53 houses within a 250 metres radius.
“We are also grateful to my brother, Governor @jidesanwoolu for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to support us, and for the assistance offered by the team led by Engineer Olatunde Akinsanya, the Director of Operations.
“The security agencies are still investigating the incident and an update on their investigation will be publicised.
“Our administration remains committed to supporting all victims of this unfortunate incident and ensuring that everyone responsible is brought to book.”
“Please contact the Emergency Operations Centre on 07049948057 or 08147672009 for any issues related to the Bodija Incident,” he added.