Many people have been injured and several houses destroyed following an explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a very large “blast” or “explosion” was heard in and near the city.
It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion or where it originated. Windows were reportedly blown out at several locations, including at a pharmacy and a restaurant.
The explosion was said to have been heard in Apete, Ojoo, UI, Moniya, Awotan, Alaro/Poly Ibadan, and Jeje.
Multiple videos seen showed people running for safety few minutes after the explosion.
In the meantime time, the state government through the Commissioner for information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade in a statement urged residents of the ancient city to remain calm with a note that All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the state governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.
” 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.”
“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”