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Tag: Bodija explosion

  • Bodija Explosion: Court fixes March 3, 4 to restart trial

    Bodija Explosion: Court fixes March 3, 4 to restart trial

    The Federal High Court, Ibadan has fixed March 3 and 4 to restart the trial of three Malians accused of being the brains behind the Bodija bomb explosion in Ibadan.

    Justice Nkeonye Maha picked the new dates as yesterday’s proceedings were stalled due to the absence of the prosecutor and one of the two defence counsel.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Malians, Ramatu Camara, 47, Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa, 64, are facing charges on the January 16, 2024, explosion.

    The bomb explosion was reported to have killed 14 people, injured many others and destroyed much property.

    Counsel to the first and second defendants, Mr Adewale Adedeji, stated that the prosecutor, Mr Victor Alma, called him to say he would be absent in court because he was bereaved.

    The counsel to the third defendant, Mr Mohammed Kyri, was equally absent for yesterday’s proceedings.

    NAN recalls that the case was first before Justice Ekeret Akpan before he was transferred to another jurisdiction.

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    Furthermore, the state Ministry of Justice desired to assume a prosecutorial role on the matter, a move challenged by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    After a series of adjournments, the court ruled on Feb. 24, 2025, that the Oyo State Ministry of Justice could not assume a prosecutorial role due to the case’s nature.

    It ruled that terrorism-related matters were exclusive reserves of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and outside what any state’s justice ministry could handle.

    The defendants, Camara, Malik and Samasa, had earlier, on March 6, 2024, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge brought against them.

    The charges border on conspiracy, use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling of radioactive materials and dispersal of biological weapons.

  • Residents association seek more intervention, justice for victims of Bodija explosion two years after

    Residents association seek more intervention, justice for victims of Bodija explosion two years after

    The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) has renewed calls for increased intervention and justice for victims of the Jan. 16, 2024, explosion.

    President of the association, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, appealed on Friday in Ibadan during the second-year remembrance service for victims of the explosion.

    Multimillion-naira properties were destroyed in the explosion, which also claimed five lives and left many others injured.

    Bamgbose urged the Oyo State Government to release additional funds for affected residents, noting that earlier support was inadequate.

    “The support received was barely enough. The initial budget was reduced, and some names earlier listed for support were removed because we were told there was no money,” he said.

    Bamgbose noted that only residents within a 500-metre radius of the epicentre were compensated, although the impact extended beyond that range.

    “There are families who lost loved ones and have not received any form of compensation or support for the children and dependents left behind.

    “Some residents started rebuilding their homes but have been unable to complete the work due to the lack of funds,” he added.

    He appealed to residents to remain calm, stating the association was only seeking assurance that all affected persons would be adequately supported.

    “Our position is simple: let people be helped and supported,” he said.

    Responding, Gov. Seyi Makinde said his administration had remained committed to its responsibilities and would do more.

    Makinde, represented by the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotosho, stated that the government would continue with Bodija’s infrastructural repairs, which include roads and other public facilities.

    “The government will keep showing empathy to the people of Bodija, particularly those who lost loved ones.

     “More interventions will still come.

     “The government will not shortchange anybody. Where we are now is not where it will stop,” he said.

     He added that the response to the incident remained an ongoing process, urging residents to be patient.

     The Pastor-in-charge of Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Rev. Julius Okanlawon, called for justice for victims through the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the explosion.

     “Some victims are undergoing psychotherapy, while others have respiratory challenges due to fumes inhaled during the explosion.

     “To the government, please ensure that justice is done.

     “As far as we know, the public has not been informed of any action taken against the perpetrators, and this is important for healing,” Okanlawon said.

    Meanwhile, some survivors of the incident called for more support, as they recounted their ordeals and struggles two years after the incident.

     A middle-aged survivor, Muhammad Danasi, said life had not been the same for him since the incident, noting that he lost all his belongings and suffered serious health challenges.

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     “The government should look into our plight. What we received was not what we expected.

     “Now that we know there is money, we are appealing to the government to come to our aid and do the needful.

     “For someone like me, I am starting from scratch. You can imagine what that means,” he said.

    Another survivor, Aduke Odia, thanked God for sparing her household, noting that although she was not at home when the explosion occurred, none of her family members lost their lives.

     “I am grateful for the support we received from the government and from people who stood by us during that difficult period,” she said.

    An octogenarian member of Bodija Estate Baptist Church, who lost her entire building, was said to have received about one-eighth of the amount required to rebuild the house.

     The demand for more compensation followed the recent political saga over the ₦30 billion the Oyo State Government announced it received as intervention funds from the Federal Government.

     A sum of ₦4.2 billion was allegedly released to address reconstruction, compensation and support for victims, raising concerns from residents and survivors. 

  • Bodija explosion: Residents seek more intervention, justice two years after

    Bodija explosion: Residents seek more intervention, justice two years after

    The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) has renewed calls for increased intervention and justice for victims of the Jan. 16, 2024, explosion.

    The association’s president, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, appealed on Friday in Ibadan during the second-year remembrance service for victims of the explosion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the explosion at the Bodija area of Ibadan destroyed properties worth millions of naira, claimed five lives, and left many other residents injured.

    Bamgbose urged the Oyo State Government to release additional funds for affected residents, noting that earlier support was inadequate.

    “The support received was barely enough.

    “The initial budget was reduced, and some names earlier listed for support were removed because we were told there was no money,” he said.

    According to him, only residents within a 500-metre radius of the epicentre were compensated, although the impact extended beyond that range.

    “There are families who lost loved ones and have not received any form of compensation or support for the children and dependents left behind.

    “Some residents started rebuilding their homes but have been unable to complete the work due to the lack of funds,” he added.

    Read Also: Federal Govt’s N30b cash for Bodija explosion victims intact, says Oyo Govt

    He appealed to residents to remain calm, stating the association was only seeking assurance that all affected persons would be adequately supported.

    “Our position is simple: let people be helped and supported,” he said.

    Responding, Gov. Seyi Makinde said his administration had remained committed to its responsibilities and would do more.

    Makinde, represented by the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotosho, said the government would continue with Bodija’s infrastructural repairs, which include roads and other public facilities.

    “The government will keep showing empathy to the people of Bodija, particularly those who lost loved ones.

    “More interventions will still come.

    “The government will not shortchange anybody. Where we are now is not where it will stop,” he said.

    He added that the response to the incident remained an ongoing process, urging residents to be patient.

    The Pastor-in-charge of Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Rev. Julius Okanlawon, called for justice for victims through the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the explosion.

    “Some victims are undergoing psychotherapy, while others have respiratory challenges due to fumes inhaled during the explosion.

    “To the government, please ensure that justice is done.

    “As far as we know, the public has not been informed of any action taken against the perpetrators, and this is important for healing,” Okanlawon said.

    Meanwhile, some survivors of the incident called for more support, as they recounted their ordeals and struggles two years after the incident.

    A middle-aged survivor, Mr Muhammad Danasi, said life had not been the same for him since the incident, noting that he lost all his belongings and suffered serious health challenges.

    “The government should look into our plight. What we received was not what we expected.

    “Now that we know there is money, we are appealing to the government to come to our aid and do the needful.

    “For someone like me, I am starting from scratch. You can imagine what that means,” he said.

    Mrs Aduke Odia thanked God for sparing her household, noting that although she was not at home when the explosion occurred, none of her family members lost their lives.

    “I am grateful for the support we received from the government and from people who stood by us during that difficult period,” she said.

    Also, Deaconess Tolani Sotanmiwa said she narrowly escaped death, explaining that she had just risen from a spot moments before the ceiling of her church collapsed during the blast.

    She added that her daughter was caught in the commotion that followed the explosion, but thanked God that she was preserved.

    An octogenarian member of Bodija Estate Baptist Church, who lost her entire building, was said to have received about one-eighth of the amount required to rebuild the house.

    NAN reports that the call for more compensation followed the recent political saga over the ₦30 billion the Oyo State Government announced it received as intervention funds from the Federal Government.

    A sum of ₦4.2 billion was allegedly released to address reconstruction, compensation and support for victims, raising concerns from residents and survivors.

    (NAN)

  • Federal Govt’s N30b cash for Bodija explosion victims intact, says Oyo Govt

    Federal Govt’s N30b cash for Bodija explosion victims intact, says Oyo Govt

    The controversy over the Federal Government’s intervention fund for victims of 2024 Ibadan explosion victims has not fizzled out.

    Yesterday, the Oyo State government clarified that the N30 billion cash received by Governor Seyi Makinde is still being kept in the state’s special intervention account.

    The Commissioner of Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and his counterpart at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, clarified in a statement that N50billion was requested from the Federal Government to mitigate the impact of the disaster.

    They said the balance of N20billion was still being expected, adding that the N24.6 billion spent on the Bodija victims came from the purse of the state government.

    Giving the analysis of how the money was spent, they explained that N20.141 billion was spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and environs and N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to the victims.

    A row had broken out between Makinde and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who after the Oyo governor’s media chat alleged that he failed to disclose the receipt of N50bn from the Federal Government.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, clarified that N30 billion was released out of the N50bn requested for.

    Makinde added that the balance could not be obtained because some unnamed federal officials requested for inducement.

    According to the statement by the commissioners, the state government deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released because the balance of N20 billion has been withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to Oyo State government.

    They said the recent “disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval”, has justified the wisdom of its decision to “wait and see” before deciding what to do with the money.

    The statement reads in part: “Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, Governor Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.

    “In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion.

    “These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.

    “The governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.

    “To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount.

    “The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum.

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    “The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as “Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose).

    “Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with First Bank of Nigeria for the intervention fund.

    “Out of the approved N50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), released N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.”

    The statement added: “As of December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account with the First Bank. Interested members of the public may verify this information with the bank.

    “The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.

    “Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced on the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before deciding what to do with the money.

    “Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding balance of N20 billion from the approved sum of N50 billion.

    “The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government.”

    “Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State Government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November, 2024, almost a year after the incident.

    “As of January 1, 2026, the Oyo State Government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.”

    The commissioners accused the Federal Government of using Fayose as an agent to achieve cheap political gains.

    They said out of N915.5 billion approved as intervention funds for states across the country, the list of beneficiary states shows that one Southwest state received N150 billion, while Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states.

  • Bodija explosion: N30bn received from FG intact in bank, we await N20bn balance – Oyo govt

    Bodija explosion: N30bn received from FG intact in bank, we await N20bn balance – Oyo govt

    ..says N24.6 billion state resources spent so far in direct response 

    Indications emerged on Thursday that controversy still trails the N50 billion intervention fund approved by the Federal Government for Oyo State following the January 16, 2024 explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    Breaking its silence on calls to account for the fund, the Oyo state government said the N30 billion so far released by the federal government remains intact in a special intervention account.

    The state government explained that it is still awaiting the release of the outstanding N20 billion and disclosed that, as of January 1, 2026, it had spent N24.6 billion from its own resources to address the impact of the explosion on Bodija and surrounding communities.

    According to the government, the expenditure includes N20.141 billion used for the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and adjoining areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the incident.

    The clarification was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde.

    The statement noted that the state government deliberately refrained from accessing the N30 billion already released, citing the continued withholding of the remaining N20 billion by relevant federal agencies for reasons yet to be communicated to the state.

    It added that the recent “disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval”, has justified the wisdom of its decision to “wait and see” before deciding what to do with the money. 

    The statement reads in part, “Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.

    “In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion. These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.

    “The governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.

    “To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount.

    “The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum.

    “The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as “Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose). 

    “Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with First Bank of Nigeria for the intervention fund.

    “Out of the approved N50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), released N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.”

    It reads further, “As of December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account with the First Bank. Interested members of the public may verify this information with the bank.

    “The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.

    “Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced on the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before deciding what to do with the money. 

    “Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding balance of N20 billion from the approved sum of N50 billion. 

    “The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government.

    “Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State Government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November, 2024, almost a year after the incident.

    “As of January 1, 2026, the Oyo State Government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.”

    The state accused the federal government of using the former governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose as an agent to achieve cheap political gains noting that, out of a total of N915.5 billion approved as intervention funds for states across the country, the list of beneficiary states shows that one Southwest state received N150 billion, while Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. 

    Read Also: APC to Makinde: Account for alleged N50bn Bodija explosion relief fund or resign

    “Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, indicate that a total of N915.5 billion was approved as intervention funds for states across the country. The list of beneficiary states shows that one South-West state received N150 billion, while another received N50 billion. Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. Interested members of the public may consult the list for verification.

    “Special intervention funds, when released, are received as capital grants. In line with standard practice and legal requirements, such funds are subjected to the budgeting process before expenditure and are duly reflected in the financial statements of the state. They do not require special public announcements upon receipt. This explains why other states that received significantly larger amounts did not publicly advertise the receipt of such funds.

    “The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued support and understanding of the people of the state. The government particularly thanks the people for their discernment in seeing through attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the 2024 tragic events of Bodija to gain undeserved foothold in our state for personal and political gains.

    “The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues, including this one.

    “Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed. He has never denied anyone what is legally due to them and will not do so.

    “The Governor and the Government of Oyo State wish the people a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.”

  • Oyo begins disbursement of Bodija explosion relief fund

    Oyo begins disbursement of Bodija explosion relief fund

    Nearly 18 months after the devastating explosion that shook Bodija Estate in Ibadan, the Oyo State Government has commenced the disbursement of financial support to affected victims.

    The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for keeping his promise and providing much-needed assistance.

    Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, the President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, confirmed the release of the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund. 

    He was joined by members of the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG) and the wider Bodija community in acknowledging the support.

    Bamgbose described the intervention as a long-overdue but essential step toward healing and rebuilding the lives of those impacted by the tragedy.

    According to him, “The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:45 PM on January 16, 2024, at 8A and 8B Aderinola Street, was caused by explosives illegally stored in a private residence. 

    “Over 300 homes were destroyed or damaged, and several lives lost, leaving the entire Bodija community in trauma.”

    He stated that the disbursement will bring hope to those still bearing the emotional, physical, and economic scars of the fateful day. 

    He commended Governor Makinde for his compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, saying the relief fund is a testament to responsive governance.

    He said, “The Oyo State Government, through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee led by the Deputy Governor, approved a total support package of ₦4.08 billion. 

    “This followed extensive assessments by professional bodies which identified 318 buildings within the 500-meter blast radius. The committee also recommended financial compensation to:

    “Families that suffered fatalities (5);

    Registered tenants (102 beneficiaries);

    Owners of 37 damaged vehicles.

    While commending the robust technical and humanitarian response, which included efforts by agencies such as NEMA, OYSEMA, UCH, Nigerian Red Cross, DSS, and NSCDC, BERA emphasized its own contributions.

    “These included emergency mobilization, advanced GIS-based impact mapping, transparent beneficiary registration, and organized community support efforts.

    “The explosion response was also bolstered by technical support from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), and Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON), Oyo Chapter. 

    “The medical community, especially UCH and local private hospitals, were commended for delivering urgent care, medication, and blood transfusions at the height of the crisis.

    “The community also received ₦35.4 million in donations and relief materials, including Federal Government provisions through NEMA and SEMA, which were officially received and equitably distributed in August 2024.”

    Bamgbose lamented that 17 affected properties were excluded from the official compensation list due to being outside the 500-meter radius, a technical exclusion that, BERA insists, does not reflect the genuine losses suffered by those households.

    “We respectfully appeal to His Excellency to extend relief support to these households in the spirit of equity and compassion.

    “The disbursement has officially commenced, with many beneficiaries confirming receipt. However, BERA acknowledged that around 20 cases mostly involving fatalities, inheritance disputes, or account discrepancies, would require additional clarification or legal resolution with input from the Ministry of Justice.”

    He maintained that no amount of money can replace the lives lost, saying the community is resilience and commitment to a new chapter. 

    Read Also: Bodija explosion: Oyo okays N4.5b for victims

    “As part of this, BERA announced the Smart Bodija Initiative, a visionary, long-term plan for restoration, security, and sustainable development in the estate.”

    He however pledged to continue engaging the government and stakeholders until every legitimate victim is compensated. 

    The association also hinted at future advocacy regarding prosecution of the perpetrators, noting that the case, initially filed at the Federal High Court, has been recharged at the Oyo State High Court. 

    BERA expressed confidence that Oyo State is committed to pursuing justice, including filing extradition papers for suspects believed to be living abroad.

    “Bodija will never forget, but Bodija will rise again.”

  • Bodija explosion: Oyo okays N4.5b for victims

    Bodija explosion: Oyo okays N4.5b for victims

    •Govt defends exco rejig

    Oyo State Government has approved N4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024.

    This decision was taken yesterday at the Executive Council (exco) meeting held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office.

    Information Commissioner Prince Dotun Oyelade said the approval was apart from the over N200 million the state government had spent on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills, following the tragic incident.

    He said the council also approved the recommendation of the 10-man committee to revoke the title of two properties off Adeyi Avenue, scene of the explosion, in the interest of the public, adding that the government should build a monument at the location of the revoked land in memory of the victims.

    The exco frowned at the spate of disinformation, half-truths and mischievous lies being peddled by persons purportedly representing the residents on the role the state government had played in the Bodija explosion saga.

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    “Council said such insinuations are unfair and mischievous and the government will not be discouraged in taking its time to do what is just for her citizens,” Oyelade said.

    He said some beneficiaries were engaged in family disputes, which required intervention of the 10-man committee.

    The commissioner added that the government would return to the owners, other properties adjoining ground zero to rebuild their homes on the advice of government paid structural engineers.

    According to him, the state government will, through the Ministry of Justice, ensure prosecution of the suspects so far arraigned, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case, but at large.

    “During the executive session, the governor advised the citizens to discountenance any rumour concerning the current exco reshuffle.

    “The governor said he took the decision to discourage ministerial complacency. He assured the people that he planned to end the tenure of his administration in 2027 with the same zeal with which he started in 2019.

    “The governor said he did not plan to drop any member of his exco except anyone found to be distracted.

    “He said the decision to reshuffle was done to inject fresh efficiency into the system going forward,” the commissioner added.

  • Bodija explosion: Makinde receives relief fund committee’s report

    Bodija explosion: Makinde receives relief fund committee’s report

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has received the report of the Committee on Management/Disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.

    He said the state government would look into the recommendations and implement them as appropriate.

    Governor Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Relief Fund Committee, Bayo Lawal, said the event that led to the setting up of the committee was sad and avoidable.

    He said the state government responded to the explosion by putting in place measures, including emergency services and post-explosion support services.

    He added that the state had to dig deep into the cause of the explosion, admonishing residents to continue to be security-conscious and alert.

    The governor said the committee’s report would be implemented, to support victims of the explosion and give them relief

    He said: “Immediately the explosion happened at Deji Oyelese Close, Bodija, Oyo State Government moved in to mitigate the level of damage.

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    “It also became important for the state government to dig into the root cause of the explosion, which was an unusual incident, particularly in the area where it occurred.

    “No one knew that such monumental damage could occur around that highbrow area of Oyo State in Bodija. Nevertheless, we keep learning every day. This is why we must not take for granted the issue of security around us.

    “The government put this committee in place of which I am the chairman. Let me say clearly that my principal agreed that I must receive this report and that the government will act on the report.

    “So, on behalf of His Excellency, I want to assure citizens that this report will be looked into quickly and the recommendations therein will be implemented.

  • Bodija Explosion: Makinde receives relief fund committee’s report

    Bodija Explosion: Makinde receives relief fund committee’s report

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has received the report of the committee on management/disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, noting that the state government will look into the recommendations and implement them as appropriate.

    Governor Makinde, who was represented by the deputy governor, who also doubles as the chairman of the relief fund committee, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, said the event that led to the setting up of the committee was sad and avoidable.

    He noted that the state government responded to the explosion by putting in place several measures, including emergency services and post-explosion support services.

    He added that the state had to dig deep into the root cause of the explosion, admonishing residents of the state to continue to be security-conscious and alert.

    The governor assured that the committee’s report would be implemented to support victims of the explosion and bring some sort of relief to them.

    He said: “Immediately the explosion happened at Deji Oyelese Close, Bodija, the Oyo State Government moved in to mitigate the level of damage.

    “It also became important for the state government to dig into the root cause of the explosion, which was an unusual incident, particularly in the area where it occurred.

    “No one knew that such monumental damage could occur around that high-brow area of Oyo State in Bodija. Nevertheless, we keep learning every day. This is why we must not take for granted the issue of security around us.

    “The government put this committee in place, of which I am the Chairman. Let me say clearly that my Principal agreed that I must receive this report and that the government will act on the report.

    “So, on behalf of His Excellency, I want to assure that this report would be looked into quickly and the recommendations therein would be implemented.

    “We know that we do not have the luxury of further delay in implementation. We will put in all the efforts that will be required for quick implementation so that the victims of the explosion will be assuaged and assisted without further delay.

    Read Also: Bodija explosion: Suspects facing trial, currently in custody, says Makinde

    “I have to thank the committee members for giving their time. The Oyo State Government really appreciates you for the yeoman’s job.”

    Speaking earlier, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), a member of the committee who stood in for the chairman to present the committee’s report, said the report was in four volumes.

    He said: “I stand here on behalf of the chairman of this committee to present the report on the disbursement and management of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.

    “It would be recalled that His Excellency inaugurated this committee on the 24th of December, 2024. As the name implies, the committee came up with recommendations on the disbursement and management of the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.

    “Your Excellency, the committee, in its deliberations, factored its work on the report prepared by the trilateral meeting of Dejo Oyelese Vigilance Group (DOVG), Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), and other experts.

    “The report that is being presented to Your Excellency this morning by the committee has four volumes. Volume 1, which is the main report, is divided into eight chapters, and these represent the deliberations and recommendations of the committee.

    “Volume 2 of the report represents the trilateral meeting of the DOVG, BERA, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers on the framework for the distribution of government financial support pledged to the affected persons.

    “Volume 3 is a reflection of the breakdown of money apportioned to support respective affected persons while Volume 4 of the report is a detailed pictorial representation and description of damages recorded during the explosion.

    “The committee would like to express its gratitude to Your Excellency for the opportunity and the confidence reposed in members.

    “I believe that this report would, aside from being beneficial to affected persons, also serve as a proper guide to government in the disbursement of the support that has been pledged by His Excellency.”

    Also speaking, the president of Bodija Estate Residents Association, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, said the committee proposed support for different categories of victims, including those who lost loved ones, buildings, vehicles and other valuables.

    He added that the relief fund is a support and not compensation, noting, however, that if the recommendations of the committee are implemented, they will go a long way in assisting the victims.

    He said: “We proposed support for different categories of people – for the families of those who lost their lives and those who lost buildings, vehicles and the rest. So, it varies.

    “We recommended different figures depending on what we perceived was the level of effect on each of these people.

    “Our expectations are that, like His Excellency said, the implementation will be expedited. We have done due diligence, and what we are presenting will be ready to go.

    “We appreciate the expediency that made the state government agree that the Deputy Governor himself should stand in for the governor.

    “So, our expectation is that the implementation would be done with expediency. On the relief fund, if what we recommended is implemented, there is no doubt that it would help. And don’t forget that it is called support. So, you can’t complain. If it was compensation, you could claim what you lost, but this is a kind of support, and it is what should be appreciated.

    “I know that for those who would receive, whatever they get is going to be well appreciated. We have shown appreciation to our governor for the treatment of those who were affected during the incident. Our roads are now being done. If we are going to have development, there is going to be a complaint. We appreciate what the government has done so far.”

  • Bodija explosion: Suspects facing trial, currently in custody, says Makinde

    Bodija explosion: Suspects facing trial, currently in custody, says Makinde

    • Affected residents cry out for compensation

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday said those responsible for the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan are facing trial for terrorism.

    The governor, who said his administration had taken steps to prosecute the suspects, added that those involved were being held in prison, contrary to insinuations that the matter had been swept under the carpet.

    Residents of Bodija area of Ibadan affected by the explosion said they were still waiting for the promised compensation.

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    They said many families were unable to return to their homes, as some properties had been overgrown with weeds and were uninhabitable.

    Speaking on behalf of the residents during an interdenominational service held in commemoration of the incident, the President, Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, said the gathering was to honour and remember five residents who lost their lives.

    The service, held at Bodija Estate Baptist Church, was organised by BERA, in conjunction with Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG).