Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed panic on Tuesday as reports surfaced of an explosion in parts of the state capital. Online videos showed a dusty cloud, along with burning houses and cars.
A University of Ibadan student confirmed the incident, stating, “We all heard the sound, and it was very loud. The cloud is cloudy with smoke. It happened at Bodija, and we in the UI area could see the smoke. Even those at Sango and Ojo heard the sound. In fact, we are all in a room scared for our lives.”
An X user, @WillieWinehouse, tweeted, “A f***ing bomb just exploded in Ibadan! My entire house and street are in ruins!! What is going on!!”
The state government, has, however confirmed the explosion.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement said, “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.
“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.
“All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”