Newsone Nigeria reports that there was a loud bang said to be a result of an explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, southwest Nigeria, on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024.
This online news platform understands that the Ibadan explosion was heard around the Agbowo, Sango, Orogun, and Bodija areas of the city.
Though the cause of the Ibadan explosion could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, a resident of Orogun said she heard the deafening sound, saying, “It felt like a tremor that shook the house.”
Another source in the Agbowo area said he heard it was a gas explosion. However, this could not be independently verified.
Newsone understands that the Ibadan explosion has left many residents of the affected area injured and some feared dead.
The Oyo State Government led by Governor Seyi Makinde issued a statement saying: “The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan. Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident.
“Relevant agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations at the scene of the incident. Residents of the State are urged to remain calm as the Oyo State Government is on top of the situation,” the statement added.
Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command also issued a statement saying: “Explosion around Dejo Oyelese Street Bodija Ibadan around 7:44 pm today Tuesday 16/01/2024. The cause of the explosion is unknown. Number of Dead and Injured yet unknown as search continues. Ample deployment on ground. Updates coming up soon,” the statement added.