NIGERIA; Makinde Reaffirms Compensation Promise As Ibadan Blast Victims Lament Unfulfilled Pledges

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reassured victims and residents affected by the Bodija bomb blast of his administration’s commitment to providing compensation, as survivors expressed frustration over the delayed fulfillment of earlier promises.

Makinde’s message came during an interdenominational service held to mark the anniversary of the tragic incident on Thursday.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Executive Assistant on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring justice and enhancing security across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their communities.

The President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, narrated the ongoing plight of displaced families.

He highlighted that several damaged properties remained in disrepair, with some overgrown by weeds, leaving the neighborhood visibly scarred by the devastation.

The remembrance service, organised by BERA in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), took place at Bodija Estate Baptist Church to honor the five residents who lost their lives in the explosion.

The deceased were identified as Mr. Fimihan Fagbemi, Mr. Toluwalase Kehinde, Mr. Ladipo Azeez Oyebamiji, Mrs. Agnus Bolanle Badmus, and Mr. Bolu Adebiyi.

Pastor Bamgbose also reflected on the extensive damage caused by the blast, which injured over 70 people and destroyed more than 200 homes, leaving deep emotional and structural wounds on the community.

Recall that the deadly explosion on January 16, 2024, claimed five lives, injured 77 people, and destroyed more than 200 houses.

Investigations revealed that illegal miners storing explosives in a residential property triggered the blast, which was felt across Ibadan, Nigeria’s third-largest city by population.