Two persons were reportedly killed while many buildings were shaken after a loud explosion rocked Ibadan on Tuesday from a gas explosion at a plant.
A shopping mall collapsed at Samonda as residents scamppered for safety after the loud bang reverberated in many parts of the city around 7pm.
Last night, residents recounted their experience. Dr. Babatunde Ojebiyi said: “I heard a loud bang a few minutes ago…around UI-Polytechnic-Sango axis. It sounded like a big explosion. No details yet. Unconfirmed reports say the incident happened at a petrol filling station in Sango, Ibadan.”
Another resident said the effect of the loud bang was heard in new Bodija, Yemetu and Ajibode.
“My friend in Akobo also confirmed it. It sounded like an ordinance or gas explosion, I was outside when it went off, my heart skipped a beat.
“I think that it might be a bomb. I heard it too. I hope that it is not from Odogbo Barracks”, said a lecturer at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
One Miss Oluwabukola said: “I was beside the Sango Police station at that time, it was a terrible experience but thank God, there was no casualty”.
Adeniyi Amusat said:”My doors vibrated.Nearly all areas in Ibadan..it is all over the internet. People have been calling from different parts of the World”.
One King Pillar said: “I live towards the outskirts of Ibadan along Abeokuta road after Apata, and the sound of whatsoever was loud and bang”.
One Naija Examiner said: “It could be explosion . I heard the deafening sound in my area, Omi Adio axis . My dogs ran in panic too. I hope its not serious”.
One person said: “UCH School of Nursing hostel glass windows were shattered as a result of the bang”.
A senior citizen and veteran journalist who lives around Sango said: “It was an explosion from gas under the ground of a filling station close to the Oyo State Housing Corporation in Bodija”.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade last night issued a statement to reassure citizens of their safety.
“Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.
“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.
“All security service chiefs including para- military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”
