Providing an update on the tragic incident that unfolded in Ibadan on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State shared encouraging news during a recent briefing. He revealed that over 90% of the victims of the explosion have now been discharged from various hospitals.
Commending the state's security agencies for their efforts in maintaining order in the Bodija area, Governor Makinde expressed his gratitude to the residents for cooperating with security directives. During the Sunday briefing on January 21, he acknowledged, "I commend our security agencies in Oyo State who have been maintaining law and order in and around Bodija this week, as well as residents who have been complying with directives from these officers."
Accompanied by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the governor provided further details on the medical situation. He mentioned that the Emergency Operations Center's medical team visited two hospitals where victims were treated, reporting that over 90% have been discharged.
Governor Makinde also shared the unfortunate news that the death toll from the incident stands at five. To support the emotional well-being of the victims, he disclosed that a clinical psychologist had initiated counselling services at the Emergency Operations Centre in Ibadan.
Transitioning to the recovery phase, the governor announced the conclusion of search and rescue operations at the Dejo Oyelese Close site of the explosion, stating, "The operations at Ground Zero have moved from search and rescue to recovery."
Expressing appreciation for collaborating with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Governor Makinde acknowledged their efforts in conducting structural integrity tests on approximately 230 properties surrounding the blast site. This included 13 houses within a 50-meter radius, 40 houses within a 100-meter radius, 122 houses within a 200-meter radius, and 53 houses within a 250-meter radius.
Recognizing the collaborative support, Governor Makinde thanked Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to assist Oyo State in the explosion's aftermath. He also expressed gratitude to the team led by Engineer Olatunde Akinsanya, the Director of Operations, for their invaluable assistance.