Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has given a little insight into the possible cause of the explosion that rocked the seedy Bodija area of Ibadan, the State capital on Tuesday night.
A number of people were said to have been gravely affected by the blast with an estimated 10 persons feared dead and scores of others rushed to hospitals in the town. 
The Daily Crucible reports that the blast occurred around past 7:00p.m, shook several houses and caused damage to structures at multiple places in the city.
Unofficial source said that several casualties have been recorded in the explosion which, it claimed, affected no fewer than 30 buildings.
The source explained that many of the injured were evacuated to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for treatment as panic over the incident spread in the ancient city.
The source also cited buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, Eleyele, a portion of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly and residence of a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige as some of the places and structures affected by the explosion.
A survivor who identified himself as Adeleke told an Ibadan based local radio station, Lagelu FM, that his brother called Oladipupo who sought to go out to attend to something, died after a sharp object propelled by the explosion ripped his stomach open.
However, reacting further to the incident, Governor Makinde attributed the source to the activities of some illegal miners operating in the state.
The Governor who visited the site and hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment, said preliminary investigation revealed that the illegal miners had stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the explosion.
He also confirmed that two people have died while 77 were injured and being treated in public and private hospitals around.
Makinde said: “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”
The Governor also promised that the state government would offset the hospital Bills of those that were injured and also directed all Hotels to accommodate those who have been displaced as a result of the blast.
His statement read: “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.
“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.
“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident. In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”
The Governor urged all residents to “please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.
“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” he added.
