Three days after the explosion at Bolaji Oyelese Street, Bodija Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, some of the survivors are still wondering how they cheated death, considering the intensity of the blast.

Those visited at Redeemers and J Rapher hospitals and others, yesterday, expressed appreciation to God for saving their lives, even as they commiserated with the families of the dead.

Although there were indications that they may be discharged soon, there are concerns that they may have no homes to return to, given the damage to their buildings.

Another concern was uncertainty whether more explosives may still be stored in more buildings in the area.

Residents have expressed shock that authorities were unaware explosives were stored in the heart of a residential estate, like Bodija, until the incident happened.

They said there are rumours that some buildings in the Moremi area, also in the Bodija axis, still house explosives. They, therefore, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde and the police to intensify investigations.

Some of the survivors, like Malik Ganiyu, 18, who lives at number 8B, Adenirola Street Bodija, are under the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Redeemers Hospital. He was among the first victims to be rushed to the hospital on Tuesday evening.

Kemi Akande, who lives at Number 2, Canon Odusanwo Street, and Josephine Isaac, who lives at Canon Odusanwo Close, are both in the ICU department of the same hospital.

A pregnant woman, Adeola Omikunle, who survived the incident at Aderionla Street, is also receiving treatment at the hospital.

Medical Director of Redeemers Hospital, Dare Olulana, said the over 15 victims rushed to the facility were treated.

“This is besides those that came, whom the nurses gave first aid treatment, and discharged immediately. When our facilities got overstretched, we referred many of them to UCH. But particular, five were retained at our ICU,” he said.

He said the Oyo State government promised to pay the bills of the victims.

The medical director advised persons who were close to the scene of the explosion but did not sustain physical injury to undergo intensive medical checkup because they had been exposed to the shock waves and sound of the blast.

Meanwhile, the state government has taken steps to identify other victims by creating the Bodija Explosion Emergency Situation Hub at the estate.

The government also assured the victims that it would carry out structural tests on all buildings close to the scene.

Many victims have been visiting the hub to register their complaints and also detail the damages they may have been incurred.

Addressing the media, President, Bodija Estate Residents Association, Muyiwa Bamgbose, expressed gratitude to God for the minimal casualties. He, however, said bodies were still being brought out from the rubble.

He faulted handling of the rescue operations, saying it could have been more professional.