Ibadan Explosion: 230 Houses Around Blast Site Undergoing Structural Integrity Test

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says counselling has commenced for victims of the explosion that rocked Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.

The explosion killed five persons, injured close to 80 persons and destroyed many houses and vehicles.

It also rendered thousands of residents homeless in the state.

Giving an update on Sunday evening, the governor said structural integrity tests had commenced on 230 buildings around the explosion point (ground zero).

The tests are being done by the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Makinde also said that over 90 percent of the victims admitted to two hospitals had been discharged and that clinical counselling had commenced for the victims.

He posted on his official X handle on Sunday, “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.