Bodija devastated by blast

Eyewitness accounts of a devastating blast that claimed lives, livelihoods and homes in one of Nigeria’s most vibrant cities

Professor Chris Imafidon, interviews survivors, first responders and residents of Ibadan, west Africa’s largest city after a horrific tragic “earthquake” which turnout to be a human-made disaster destroyed lives of innocent law-abiding residents caught-up in what the state Governor describes an explosion caused by illegal mining dynamite.

On Tuesday 17^th January 2024, in the wealth residential neighbourhood of old Bodija, as people were getting ready to go to bed, smoke and cries of fire saturated the air along Revd Aderinola Street off Adeyi street of Ibadan. Members of the community ran out to assist in extinguishing the fire of the smoke from Number 8 of Revd Aderinola, Street. But moments later at about 7:25pm there was a huge and sudden “earthquake” and the ground tossed adults, buildings, and any objects including cars violently into the air. The atmosphere was covered with a think cloud which reduced visibility to less than a few centimetres. The resultant cloud’s thickness coupled with the sheer force of the quake caused relatives and friends to lose touch with each other. Everyone was scattered and found themselves on the floor, without any clue of what was happening. Minutes later when the neighbours in the Dejo Oyelese Close end of the street were able to picked themselves up from the floor, debris had covered most parts of their bodies from the disintegrated houses. Everyone had sustained one injury or another.

SURVIVORS

As the cloud of dust settled down, it was clear that their generosity to help extinguished a neighbour’s “fire-outbreak” has saved many from a deadly explosion which the smoke enticed them out of their rooms. This is because most people who stayed back inside their rooms were trapped by the destructive force of a shaken earth that collapse every building at the epicentre. The neighbouring houses were reduced to mere rubble. The ground has opened up and literally swallowed up some buildings of all sizes and strength. This old Bodija was unrecognizable and everyone survivor thought that this hellish drama was a nightmare. But the reality was unfolding and before any theories of the cause or consequence was imagined, lives had to be saved. But saved from where, who and what? Perhaps the greatest saving tool was the technology of cellphone which capture video footage of the immediate aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. The same technology was deployed to inform and invite people who had heard the loud explosion over 5 kilometres away from the point of maximum impact.

The explosion that occurred in the affluent suburb of Bodija in Ibadan, Western Nigeria, has caused some fatalities, significant damage and casualties. According to eye witnesses and reports, the blast took place on Rev. Aderinola Street, Off Dejo Oyelese, causing the immediate collapse of several houses and leading to numerous injuries. The incident, which occurred around 7:25 pm, has prompted a response from emergency services and has left residents in shock and seeking refuge.

SYSTEMS

Eyewitnesses at the scene have described a powerful explosion that shook the area, resulting in widespread destruction. Many individuals have been found injured, and the extent of the damage is still being assessed. The local community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, with numerous families facing the loss of their homes and belongings.

The authorities and emergency response teams are currently engaged in rescue and recovery efforts, working to provide medical assistance to the injured and ensure the safety of those affected. The full scope of the impact of the explosion is yet to be determined, and investigations into the cause of the blast are underway.

The incident has sparked concern and solidarity across the region, with residents and officials expressing shock and offering support to those affected. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the community to come together and provide assistance to the victims of this devastating event.

SOLUTION

The details surrounding the explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, are still emerging, and it is crucial for the public to await official updates from the relevant authorities. Our thoughts are with the individuals and families impacted by this tragic incident, and we urge everyone to prioritize safety and support one another during this difficult time.

For further information and updates on the situation, we advise the public to rely on official sources and local news outlets for accurate and reliable information.

This press report is based on the available information from eye witnesses and initial reports regarding the explosion in Bodija, Ibadan. The situation is still developing, and additional details may emerge as the investigation progresses.

Professor Chris Imafidon is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His Artificial Intelligence, and other research or innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is 5X International Bestselling author; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author, a Wall Street Journal BestSelling author and a regular contributor to British and international media;. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon

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