Ibadan, Nigeria – An explosion rocked Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, on Tuesday Evening, leaving residents confused and panicked. Hours after the blast, the Oyo State government has yet to provide a clear explanation of what caused the explosion or the extent of the damage.
What We Know So Far
The explosion, is reported to have occurred at a private building on Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area. Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least four buildings were affected, with windows shattered, walls collapsed, and several people injured. The impact of the explosion was also felt in nearby areas, including Sango, Mokola, University College Hospital (UCH), Agodi, and Ojoo.
The silence from the government has only added to the anxiety and fear among residents. Many are taking to social media to express their frustration and demand answers from the authorities. Some are even sharing unverified information and rumors, further fueling the panic.
In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the explosion but did not provide any details about the cause or the number of casualties. He said that the state government is “in full control of the situation” and has deployed security personnel and firefighters to the scene. Governor Seyi Makinde has also called for calm and assured residents that their safety is a priority.
However, many residents are skeptical of the government’s assurances. They point to the fact that it has been hours since the explosion and they still don’t have any answers. This lack of transparency is only serving to heighten the sense of fear and uncertainty.
This incident is a stark reminder of the need for a more efficient and responsive government in Nigeria. When crises occur, it is essential that the authorities provide timely and accurate information to the public. In this case, the government’s silence has only served to make a bad situation worse.
We hope that the Oyo State government will soon come forward with a clear explanation of what happened and what is being done to address the situation. The people of Ibadan deserve to know the truth and to be assured that their safety is a top priority.
In the meantime, we urge everyone to remain calm and to avoid spreading unverified information. Let us work together to support those who have been affected by this tragedy and to ensure that something like this never happens again.