Appeal for inclusion of excluded households

The victims of the tragic explosion that rocked Bodija Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, nearly 17 months ago, have begun to receive financial support from the state government.

President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), Muyiwa Bamgbose, confirmed this to journalists in Ibadan during a media briefing organised by the association, in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG) and the wider Bodija community.

He described the intervention as a “long-awaited but critical step towards healing and rebuilding.” Bamgbose, while expressing deep gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise, said: “This disbursement brings hope to those still bearing the emotional, physical, and economic scars of that fateful day.”

He praised the governor for his “compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to justice,” noting that the relief fund is a testament to responsive governance.

“The Oyo State Government, through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee, led by the Deputy Governor, approved a total support package of N4.08 billion. This followed extensive assessments by professional bodies, which identified 318 buildings within the 500-metre blast radius. The committee also recommended financial compensation to families that suffered fatalities (5), registered tenants (102 beneficiaries) and owners of 37 damaged vehicles,” he said.

According to BERA, the community also received N35.4 million in donations and relief materials, including the Federal Government’s provisions through NEMA and SEMA, which were officially received and equitably distributed in August 2024.

However, the statement noted that 17 affected property were excluded from the official compensation list due to being outside the 500-metre radius, a technical exclusion that BERA insists, does not reflect the genuine losses suffered by those households.

The association, therefore, pledged to continue to engage government and stakeholders until every legitimate victim is compensated.

It also hinted at future advocacy regarding the prosecution of the perpetrators, noting that the case, initially filed at the Federal High Court, has been taken to Oyo State High Court, expressing confidence that the state government is committed to pursuing justice, including filing extradition papers for suspects believed to be living abroad.