Nine months after the devastating explosion that rocked the Bodija Housing Estate on January 16, 2024, residents are voicing their frustrations over what they describe as government neglect.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference, held at Dilay Event Centre Bodija Ibadan, Professor Olabode Lucas, the spokesman for the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), emphasised the urgent need for both federal and state governments intervention to alleviate the plights of the victims.
The DOVG, representing approximately 250 families residing in various streets of Bodija, called attention to the dire situation faced by residents whose lives were turned upside down by the explosion caused by the activities of a miner from Mali who stockpiled mining explosives in his residence.
Recall that the blast resulted in the destruction of about 58 houses and numerous vehicles, with damages estimated at no less than three billion Naira. Tragically, five lives were lost, with 77 persons sustaining varying degree of injuries
Professor Lucas recounted the harrowing day of the explosion, detailing how the community was thrown into chaos.
“It was a typical Tuesday morning when we were suddenly awakened by a loud blast that shook our homes. The sound was deafening, and the ground trembled beneath us.”
“In a matter of moments, our lives changed forever. Many residents fled their homes in panic, only to return to find their neighborhoods devastated.”
“We commend the initial response from the Oyo State government, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde, who acted promptly to provide relief and emotional support to the victims,” Lucas noted.
He recounted how the governor visited the site immediately after the incident, ensuring that those injured received medical attention and that the displaced were accommodated in nearby hotels at the government’s expense.
Lucas said the governor also promised compensation for material losses, with a registration process initiated at the Oyo State Housing Corporation.
While grateful for the relief materials provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), as well as a transformer supplied by Chief Adebayo Adelabu to restore electricity, the residents are calling for more substantial support.
“We are still in distress. Many of us have not been able to return to our homes and are living with relatives and friends. Our houses remain neglected, overgrown with weeds and infested by wildlife.”
“The residents are particularly concerned about the lack of progress regarding their compensation claims, submitted nine months ago. They are urging the Oyo State government to act on the list of material losses and provide the promised support.
“It is disheartening to see our pleas ignored. We expected more action after the initial promises were made.”
“By doing this, you will be on the right side of history, and posterity will be kind to you,” Lucas stated.
Furthermore, the DOVG is calling for the continued prosecution of those responsible for the explosion and stronger measures to prevent illegal mining activities that threaten residential areas.
“We demand transparency in the legal proceedings against those who brought this devastation to our community. Justice must be served, not just for us but to deter future incidents,” he asserted.
Professor Lucas, however, expressed the collective sentiment of the DOVG, noting, “The explosion has caused us untold trauma in our twilight years. We are retired, law-abiding citizens who have served this country faithfully.”
“The disaster was not a result of our actions but rather the recklessness of those prioritising profit over human lives.”
Some of the residents shared their personal experiences during the press conference, recounting their losses and hardships
The residents of DOVG are looking to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for the neccesary relief and support to restore their lives and community.
Ends
