Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday said the explosion which rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday night, was caused by a suspected explosion of an IED.
According to the agency, the explosion affected over twenty houses in the area.
This was disclosed in a situation report posted on its handle on Wednesday.
“To the scene of the explosion. On arrival at the scene, it was observed that it was a suspected explosion of IED which affected over twenty houses. Casualty figures can not be ascertained for now. Search and Rescue operation is still ongoing.
“Stakeholders present include NPF, NSCDC, DSS, SEMA, Nigeria Army, Federal, and State fire service, Nigerian Red Cross, State Ministry of Environment, Amotekun Corps.
More resources are being mobilized to support the ongoing SAR Operations. Search and Rescue operation at the scene of the incident was temporarily suspended to allow responders to refresh. SAR Operations resume at 7.00 am in the morning.
“Security has been beefed up in the area while arrangements for more support to facilitate the operations are in progress.
“The situation has been brought under control while arrangements are going on to ensure smooth operation,” the post read
At least 77 persons were confirmed injured while two reportedly died due to the explosion.
Meanwhile, the State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, said illegal miners who stored explosives in one of the houses in Bodija caused the blast., He said this when he visited the scene a few hours after the incident.
