The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that an explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday night was caused by a suspected improvised explosive device (IED).
The incident resulted in extensive damage to over 20 houses, as reported in a situation update on NEMA’s social media platform on Wednesday.
“NEMA stated that the blast’s aftermath affected more than 20 houses, and as of the latest report, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” the report stated, adding that the scene was secured with a heavy presence of security personnel from various agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Army, Federal and State Fire Services, Nigerian Red Cross, State Ministry of Environment, and Amotekun Corps.
“More resources are being mobilized to support the ongoing search and rescue operations,” the report continued.
“Search and rescue operations were temporarily suspended at 7.00 pm yesterday to allow responders to refresh. They will resume at 7.00 am this morning,” the agency added.
“Security has been beefed up in the area while arrangements for more support to facilitate the operations are in progress.
“The situation has been brought under control while arrangements are going on to ensure smooth operation,” the post read