Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, experienced a panic on Tuesday evening when a powerful explosion reverberated through the ancient city, causing buildings to collapse from the intense vibrations.

According to residents who shared their accounts, the blast's impact reached houses and cars some distance from the explosion site.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., a loud bang startled the residents. One distressed individual recounted the incident, mentioning the shattering of dominoes and the destruction of Ace Mall in Bodija. As of the current press time, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but reports indicate that victims have been swiftly transported to hospitals. Additionally, some residents find themselves trapped amidst the rubble of buildings that succumbed to the force of the explosion.

Saheed Akiode, the Zonal Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the South-West, confirmed that emergency responders, including Oyo State Fire Service personnel, have been dispatched to the scene located on Awolowo Way by Adeyi Avenue, behind a Central Mosque in Bodija.

In a brief statement on social media, the Oyo State Government acknowledged awareness of the explosion reports and urged residents to remain calm. The government assured the public that security agencies were investigating the incident to determine its source and cause.

A subsequent update from the state government indicated ongoing search and rescue operations by relevant agencies at the explosion scene. The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the occurrence of the explosion in a post on social media.

The incident has garnered attention on various social media platforms, with photos and videos circulating widely documenting the explosion's aftermath. The situation remains fluid as authorities work diligently to assess the extent of the damage and assist those affected.