There was panic in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday evening as loud explosion rocked the ancient city, with buildings collapsing due to terrific vibration.
Residents, who spoke with Channels Television, said cars and houses exploded under the impact of the vibration felt at Awolowo, Bodija, Akobo, and other areas.
The number of casualties could not be confirmed as of press time.
The Zonal Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the South-West, Saheed Akiode, told Channels Television in a phone conversation that emergency responders including the operatives of the Fire Service in Oyo State have been deployed to the scene of the incident on Awolowo Way by Adeyi Avenue, behind a Central Mosque, in Bodija.
Also, in a terse statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Oyo State Government said it is aware of reports of an explosion in the state.
“Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident,” the government said.
The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan.
Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident pic.twitter.com/cS04PCEnVo
— Oyo State Government (@oyostategovt) January 16, 2024
Oyo State Govt Reacts
Meanwhile, the Oyo State government in a statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Hon Commissioner for Information and orientation said all security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening”.
“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in in order to mitigate the incident”.
“All security service chiefs including para military 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”, he said.
