NIGERIA: Oyo Approves ₦4.5 Billion Relief Package For Bodija Explosion Victims

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Oyo State Government has approved ₦4.5 billion in financial support for victims and survivors of the January 16, 2024, explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

The decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde had previously set up a 10-man Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee in December 2024, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, to assess and manage support for affected residents. The committee’s recommendations have now been adopted.

The explosion, caused by illegal storage of explosives at No. 8 Aderinola Street by a Malian national, Mahmoud Camara, left five people dead, 78 injured, and over 335 persons affected.

The blast also destroyed 58 houses, three schools, religious centres, 16 businesses, and damaged parts of the University College Hospital.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the ₦4.5 billion is separate from the over ₦200 million already spent by the government on emergency shelter, medical care, and security since the incident.

Additionally, the council approved the revocation of titles for two properties near Ground Zero, to be replaced with a monument in honour of the victims. Owners of other properties will be assisted in rebuilding, following the guidance of government structural engineers.

Oyelade also addressed growing criticisms from members of the Bodija community, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the government’s handling of the crisis.

He said: “The council frowns at disinformation and half-truths being peddled. These are unfair and mischievous. We will not be deterred from doing what is just.”

The government also assured that efforts to prosecute suspects already in custody are underway, while security agencies intensify the search for others still at large.

This development follows a statement released earlier the same day by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, expressing frustration over the delayed disbursement of funds 11 weeks after the committee submitted its report.

The statement reads, “Today, 473 days later, Bodija remains in ashes. Many now live without homes… Bodija must not be forgotten. Bodija deserves healing.”