The Oyo State Government has commenced the long-awaited disbursement of a ₦4.8 billion relief fund to victims of the tragic explosion that rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan on January 16, 2024.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held in the state capital by representatives of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, and the wider Bodija community.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the President of BERA, Mr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, hailed the intervention as a vital and compassionate step in the journey toward healing and recovery for the affected residents.
“This disbursement brings hope to those still bearing the emotional, physical, and economic scars of that fateful day,” Bamgbose said. “It is a long-awaited but critical step towards rebuilding.”
He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise, describing the governor’s leadership as both compassionate and responsive.
“Governor Makinde’s unwavering commitment to justice and his timely intervention are commendable. The release of this fund underscores the kind of leadership that listens and acts,” Bamgbose added.
According to him, the relief fund—officially approved and disbursed through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee chaired by the Deputy Governor—amounts to a total of ₦4.8 billion.
The committee’s recommendations were based on detailed assessments by professional agencies, which identified 318 buildings within a 500-metre blast radius.
The explosion, which was reportedly triggered by illegal mining explosives, caused massive destruction in the Bodija community, claiming five lives and injuring many more. A total of 77 houses were either completely or partially destroyed. The aftermath left hundreds homeless and countless others traumatized.
In addition to compensation for affected property owners, the relief package also includes financial support for families of the deceased, tenants (with 102 beneficiaries recorded), and owners of 37 damaged vehicles.
However, Bamgbose noted that 17 affected properties located outside the 500-metre radius were not included in the official compensation list.
Beyond financial aid, Bamgbose also praised the swift and multifaceted response efforts by both state and federal agencies. He highlighted the involvement of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the University College Hospital (UCH), the Nigerian Red Cross, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
“The technical evaluation and disaster response were bolstered by professional contributions from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria,” he said. These groups played a crucial role in assessing structural damage and guiding safe recovery protocols.
The medical response, according to Bamgbose, was especially laudable. Medical personnel from UCH and various private hospitals in Ibadan provided emergency treatment, blood transfusions, and critical care to victims in the immediate aftermath of the explosion.
Furthermore, the community received an additional ₦35.4 million in donations and relief materials, including provisions from the Federal Government through NEMA and SEMA. These resources were officially acknowledged and equitably distributed in August 2024.
Bamgbose reiterated the Bodija community’s gratitude for the multi-agency collaboration and the government’s sustained support, while also calling for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
IREPORT247NEWS had reported that the State Government has approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion.
According to a statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information of Oyo State on 14th May, 2025, the decision was taken at the ongoing Executive Council meeting at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office.
According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, this is apart from the over ₦200 million that the State Government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills following the tragic incident.
The disbursement of the relief fund marks a remarkable milestone in the state’s effort to bring closure and stability to a community devastated by one of the worst explosions in recent memory.