Victims of Bodija explosion lament unfulfilled promises one year after

Members of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) and victims of the January 16, 2024, explosion, which claimed five lives and destroyed over 77 buildings on Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, are still awaiting government assistance a year after the tragedy.

While appealing to the Federal and Oyo State governments to fulfil their promises of rehabilitation and compensation, the victims also called for the prosecution of those responsible for the disaster. They emphasised the need for preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

During a visit to the site yesterday, it was observed that some affected buildings remain unrenovated. However, owners of properties with minor damages have restored their homes and moved back in. Meanwhile, a combined team of armed military personnel and Amotekun Corps continue to guard the area.

Relatives of the deceased victims have also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for assistance, lamenting that the loss of breadwinners has left their families in dire straits.

Official reports from the disaster indicated four fatalities and 77 buildings affected. Four buildings, including the house where the explosion originated, were utterly destroyed. No reconstruction efforts have yet been undertaken on these.

As part of activities marking the tragedy’s first anniversary, BERA, in collaboration with the affected residents and the Oyo State government, is holding a memorial service today. According to Moses Oluwatayo, chairman of the Bodija Estate Explosion Remembrance Planning Committee, the programme includes an interdenominational service at Bodija Estate Baptist Church today, a candlelight procession at the Bodija Epic Centre tomorrow, and a Jumat prayer at Bodija Central Mosque in honour of the victims.

In December, Makinde inaugurated a 10-member committee to oversee the disbursement of relief funds to the victims, clarifying that the government’s support is not compensation but assistance.

One resident, Prof Olabode Lucas, urged the authorities to honour their promises, stating, “Hell couldn’t be worse than what we, the victims, experienced in Bodija. Lucifer relocated here that day.”

He noted that the affected area houses about 250 families, including prominent individuals such as a former deputy governor of Oyo State, professors, retired permanent secretaries, and other distinguished Nigerians.

Another don, Onamade Adeuja, criticised members of the National Assembly from Oyo State for failing to demonstrate sufficient empathy towards victims of the Bodija Estate Residents Association explosion.

Expressing his disappointment, Adeuja said, “The people representing us have not shown empathy. Where are the Senators and House of Representatives members?”
As part of their demands, the residents reiterated the need to prosecute those responsible for bringing explosives to the area. They noted that little progress had been made since some suspects were arraigned at the Ibadan High Court in April last year.

The affected residents also called for stronger measures to address the activities of illegal miners, who they claim are responsible for bringing explosives into residential areas.

Meanwhile, BERA Chairman Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, who served on the government-appointed committee, acknowledged that the government covered medical bills for those injured in the incident. He praised the authorities for ensuring that victims were not treated like internally displaced persons (IDPs) by confining them to camps.

Bamgbose added that victims had received donations from various organisations, including the government. However, he revealed that the government-appointed committee has yet to finalise its recommendations.

He stressed BERA’s keen interest in the ongoing trial of those arrested and expressed the association’s hope that the case would reach a meaningful .

Regarding the affected structures, Bamgbose said, “Owners of buildings that were not badly damaged have since renovated their properties and moved back in. However, for those whose buildings were completely destroyed, including the ground zero site where the government planned to build a monument, they are still waiting for assistance from the authorities.”