Many Feared Dead, 15 Hospitalized As Massive Explosion Rocks Ibadan

Not lesser than 10 persons were feared killed and 15 others hospitalized on Tuesday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after an explosion that rocked the Ibadan metropolis.

It was earlier reported that there was serious panic in the ancient city around 8 pm over the explosion, whose cause could not be ascertained on Tuesday night.

Among the affected areas were a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.

No fewer than 10 bodies were recovered from the site at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija Estate, Ibadan and taken away in ambulances.

As of press time, rescue workers believed that some persons were still trapped under the rubble and efforts were ongoing to rescue them.

A social worker at UCH said that the hospital had received no fewer than 15 victims.

“The victims will not be less than 15,” he said.

Glass windows, doors and ceilings were shattered in the affected areas.

Major roads were deserted while residents were forced indoors by security operatives, including the police, Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes, who took over the affected areas.

The cause of the blast could not be confirmed. Some residents of the affected areas claimed it was caused by earth movement while others described it as a blast of an Improvised Explosive Device.

Thick smoke rented the air in the affected areas which resulted in the hospitalisation of the victims in several hospitals.

Security vehicles were seen conveying the victims to some selected hospitals in the state capital for medical attention.

Also, it was gathered that at least three buildings collapsed as a result of the explosion.