The city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was thrown into panic on Tuesday night as a result of an unexplained explosion that rocked parts of the city.

The loud explosion was heard in some parts of the city, including Oke Itunu, Bodija, Omi Adio, Apete, University College Hospital (UCH), Mokola, and Idi Isin.

The exact location of the explosion has not yet been ascertained; however, the UCH School of Nursing, where hostel windows were shattered by shockwaves, was one of the areas most affected by the explosion.

 University of Ibadan student, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone said, “It is true. We all heard the sound and it was very loud. The cloud is cloudy with smoke. it happened at Bodija and we in the UI area could see the smoke. Even those at Sango and Ojo heard the sound. In fact, we are all in a room scared for our life.”

Motunrayo Adegboro, another resident of Barika, about 15 minutes away from the site of the blast in Ibadan confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday night.

She said, “Some people claimed it was a gas explosion while others said it was a filling station.

“It happened in Bodija. A mall, Ace Mall even collapsed.”

However, the Oyo State Government has urged residents of Ibadan to remain calm following reports of an explosion at Bodija in the Oyo State Capital.

The State Government speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said it has taken over the scene of the explosion with the assistance of security agents who are also investigating the cause of the incident.

The statement: “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.

There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in in order to mitigate the incident.

All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.

His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.

Signed:Prince Dotun Oyelade,
The Hon Commissioner for Information and orientation.
January 16, 2024.