On January 16, 2024, a deafening explosion literarily rocked the ancient city of Ibadan, causing fear, panic and death. One year after, many of the victims are yet to recover from the damage and trauma caused by the explosion. SOJI AJIBOLA reports:
Residents of Bodija Estate are still licking the wounds of the devastating explosion that left in its trail the death of some people, as well the destruction of unquantifiable properties throughout the city of Ibadan one year after.
The January 16, 2024 explosion will linger for long in the minds of not only the victims, but the entire people of the state. The incident has been described as unprecedented in the annals of the ancient city.
One year after, the affected residents are yet to come to terms with what befell them, especially those that lost their husbands, wife, parents and relations.
Some of the affected buildings at Dejo Oyelese Street were levelled to the ground by the blast. These were buildings that were erected in the late and early 60s. Some of them were being managed by the grand and great-grandchildren of the original owners.
The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has shown support to the victims as many of them were relocated to hotels with the bills being offset by the government.
As medical bills incurred by the survivors were also being offset by the government, some were of the opinion that the responsibility should not be left in the hands of the state government alone.
The situation has, therefore, necessitated various appeals being made to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims, especially owners of the houses that were completely destroyed by the explosion.
Visiting the site, it was observed that green vegetation has taken over not a few of the bungalows and duplexes that were destroyed in the blast.
No reconstruction has commenced in the area. However, there was the presence of security personnel who are still on surveillance in the area.
It will be recalled that Governor Makinde, late last year December, inaugurated a 10-member committee to oversee the disbursement of relief funds to the victims, but the residents are calling on him to intensify his efforts at cushioning the effects of the devastating event.
One of the residents, Prof Olabode Lucas said, “Hell couldn’t be worse than what we experienced in Bodija that day.”
He disclosed that the incident affected no fewer than 250 families, including prominent individuals such as a former deputy governor of Oyo State, professors, retired permanent secretaries and other distinguished Nigerians.
Onamade Adeuja, another resident of the area, expressed displeasure with members of the National Assembly from the state for what he described as their insensitivity to the plight of the residents.
Meanwhile, the residents under the aegis of Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) in conjunction with Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG) held a remembrance service at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church in commemoration of the sad incident that rendered many of their members homeless.
The president of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, at the interdenominational service, said the gathering was to honour and remember five residents who lost their lives.
He said the incident left over 70 individuals injured, damaged over 200 houses, and left an indelible mark on the community.
He gave the names of the deceased as: Mr Fimihan Fagbemi, Mr Toluwalase Kehinde, Mr Ladipo Azeez Oyebamiji, Mrs Agnus Bolanle Badmus and Mr Bolu Adebiyi.
Bamgbose said, “We gather here today with heavy hearts to remember and honor the five cherished members of our Bodija community who tragically lost their lives in the devastating explosion on January 16, 2024. This incident not only took lives but also injured over 70 individuals and damaged over 200 houses, leaving an indelible mark on our community.
“Their absence is deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
“In the aftermath of this tragedy, we witnessed an outpouring of support that exemplified the strength and unity of our community.
“As we remember those we have lost, let us also renew our commitment to advocate for justice. We urge the authorities to expedite investigations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent such incidents in the future.”
He advocated support the affected: “We call upon the government and well-meaning individuals to provide the necessary assistance to help displaced residents rebuild their lives.
“Strengthen community bonds: Let this tragedy serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility in safeguarding our community.”
However, Governor Makinde has reiterated his government’s commitment to the security of lives and properties of the people in the state.
The governor restated the commitment of his administration to the security of lives and properties of the residents as he remembered the victims of Bodija explosion
While praying for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident, the governor called on the citizens of Oyo State to join hands with the government in securing the state.
He said, “As a government, we are doing all we can to make the state safe. This is why we are investing so much in security architecture. But for these efforts to yield the desired results, we need the cooperation of the citizens; we need information from the citizens. That is why we say, ‘If you see something, say something and the authorities will do something about it.’
“The explosion of January 16, 2024 could have been prevented if those who saw those storing explosive devices in residential areas had informed our security operatives.
“That means the people that died did not have to die. The houses that were destroyed didn’t have to be destroyed and the disruption that we experienced didn’t have to happen.
“So, to prevent recurrence of such in any part of the state, let us all take the issue of security seriously and cooperate with security operatives by providing necessary information that will help them in discharging their duties of securing our lives.
“We pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the incident and we pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen their loved ones.
“As a government, we have taken steps to prosecute those who caused this unfortunate incident. They are facing trial for terrorism and are currently being held in prison.
“The government will soon start the process of rebuilding the affected area as contracts have been awarded to fix all the roads in the axis.
“Similarly, we have inaugurated a relief disbursement committee, comprising residents of the affected area, and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The committee is to come up with a modality for the disbursement of the financial support the state government is providing for those who were affected by the explosion.”
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