Chairman and Head of the Emergency Operation Centre for the Bodija Explosion, Prof. Temitope Alonge, has revealed that, in addition to recovering dead bodies from the debris of the explosion in Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, body parts were also retrieved from the blast’s epicenter.
disclosure coincided with the visit of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to Ibadan to assess the situation following the explosions in various parts of the city. Dr. Alake emphasized that anyone found responsible for the man-made disaster would face decisive action.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented a report on the explosion to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The report indicated that five individuals were confirmed dead, while 77 people sustained injuries in the blast.
Prof. Alonge, briefing Minister Alake during his visit to the explosion’s epicenter, stated that many buildings within a 500-meter radius did not pass integrity tests. He reported two initial fatalities and later mentioned three, including a woman impaled while attempting to rescue her mistress. Body parts were discovered on Wednesday, with the operation delayed for the safety of medical staff.
Minister Alake expressed astonishment at how suspected miners could harbor explosives undetected for years. He called on residents to report suspicious activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in high-profile areas like Bodija.
Alake emphasized that the Federal Government would await the forensic report before making any categorical statements. Geologists from the University of Ibadan conducted integrity tests on the explosion’s epicenter and surrounding structures.
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