The Oyo State Government has issued an official statement on the state official handle on X, stating that it had launched an investigation into figuring out the cause of the loud explosion that rocked the city of Ibadan on Tuesday, 16th of January, 2024.
West Africa Weekly had gathered the explosion to have left many injured and increasing. In the statement, the government stated, “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.”
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
The incident that happened around 7 pm has led the state government to announce its swift action to direct relevant agencies to carry out search and rescue operations at the scene of the event while urging the people of Oyo State to remain calm as the government is on top of the situation.
However, John Izuebe, a resident of Ibadan, told West Africa Weekly, “It sounded like a bomb considering the echo and damaging impacts it had on several buildings, near and far.”
Another resident, Asubiojo Olujuwon, reportedly said to be a “gas explosion.”
Meanwhile, citizens and doctors have, out of concern and safety for all residents, are raising awareness on medical attention at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija.