Ibadan Explosion Victims Cries Out for Released N30bn Support

Two years after the tragic Bodija explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties in Ibadan, affected residents and bereaved families have renewed demands for compensation and continued government assistance amid debate over a reported N30bn intervention fund.

The appeals were made on Saturday at an interdenominational remembrance service held at All Souls Church, Old Bodija, to commemorate the second anniversary of the disaster.

Vanguard Newspaper reports that the event, organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association in partnership with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, attracted residents, community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of the Oyo State Government.

Speaking at the service, BERA President, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, called for calm among residents while highlighting the plight of families yet to receive any form of assistance.

“I have to appeal to our people. There are families who lost loved ones and, as we speak, they have not received anything. There are also people who started rebuilding their houses but have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds,” Bamgbose said.

He explained that earlier compensation decisions were shaped by financial constraints identified during committee deliberations.

“I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact,” he said.

Bamgbose noted that recent reports indicated funds were now available and urged renewed attention to the welfare of victims.

“However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our attitude, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition,” he said.

“They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings,” he added.

Addressing the lingering emotional impact of the tragedy, Bamgbose said survivors continued to bear deep scars from the incident.

“There is no way anything we do can completely remove the scar; the scar will always be there. But it should not be something that will cause them to continue in sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is,” he said.

He appealed to residents and government authorities alike, calling for restraint and renewed intervention.

“We are appealing to the people to remain calm, and we are also appealing to the government that now that funds are available, they should not be returned or used entirely for roads or other projects. The people who are hurting should be supported,” Bamgbose said.

Recall that former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, had claimed that Oyo State received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government following the Bodija explosion.

He alleged that the funds were paid into the state’s accounts and accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to disclose their receipt.

The state government initially denied receiving the funds but later clarified that only ₦30 billion had been released, with the remaining ₦20 billion outstanding.

Fayose had demanded that the unspent ₦30 billion be returned with interest to victims, while the Oyo State Government maintained that the funds remain untouched and earmarked for victim support and reconstruction, pending the release of the ₦20bn balance.

Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotoso, said the state government remained committed to assisting victims of the explosion.

“I praise God that we are all here today. The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen,” Omotoso said.

“When such things happen, the Word of God says that in everything we should give thanks. God is still God in spite of all that happened, and there are still reasons to give thanks,” he added.

Omotoso said the government acted swiftly in the aftermath of the explosion.

“As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured, and people were accommodated over a period of time,” he said.

“Many measures were put in place to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the people at that time,” he added.

He said government support extended beyond the immediate response.

“Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones,” Omotoso said.

“We will continue to show empathy, and our prayer is that God will comfort all of us, particularly those who lost loved ones or property. This is also why His Excellency believes our presence here is part of showing empathy to the people,” he added.

Rejecting claims of negligence, Omotoso said the government acted responsibly from the onset.

“From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from,” he said.

“This remains an ongoing process. What has been released, what will still be released, and what is currently ongoing are all part of government efforts,” he added.

He cited ongoing reconstruction projects as evidence of commitment.

“Roads and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and these actions show that the people affected are our people. The lives lost were citizens and indigenes of Oyo State, and the governor is a father to all,” Omotoso said.

Responding to criticism, he said the government remained focused on its responsibilities.

“We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people,” he said.

Omotoso assured residents that further interventions were planned.

“The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people,” he said.

“This is a government that is alive and responsive. We are not playing politics with the lives of the people, and we will never do so,” he added.

“Where we are now is not where it will stop. The government is still going to do more,” Omotoso said.

“We have done more than enough, and even with what we have done, we are determined to do more. Until we see smiles on the faces of the people, we are not done yet.”