At least two people were killed and 77 injured in a stunning explosion in the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria on Tuesday evening, local authorities announced on Wednesday, favoring the theory of an explosion of accidental origin.
“We have 77 injured so far, most of whom have been treated, and two deaths,” Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state, of which Ibadan is the regional capital, said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
According to National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) Southwest Zone Coordinator Saheed Akiode, the number of casualties could rise as rescue operations continue on Wednesday morning.
The explosion, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m. in the Bodija district and destroyed around 25 buildings, according to Nema, triggered a panic movement among residents.
According to the governor, the initial elements of the investigation “found that illegal miners who occupied one of Bodija's houses had stored explosive devices there, which caused the explosion.”
On site, an AFP journalist was able to observe significant damage: the area was covered in rubble, several surrounding buildings were severely damaged and cars were completely destroyed, one of which was thrown onto the roof of the other.
The governor said the state will provide temporary housing and ensure those affected receive “assistance in rebuilding their lives.”
With more than 3.5 million inhabitants, Ibadan is the third largest city in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano.