Oyo State Approves ₦4.5 Billion Relief Package for Bodija Explosion Victims

The Oyo State Government has approved a ₦4.5 billion relief fund to support victims and survivors of the devastating Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024. The announcement was made following the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde had previously established a 10-member committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, on December 24, 2024, to oversee the disbursement and management of relief funds for those impacted by the explosion.

The tragic incident, caused by a water gel-type explosive accidentally ignited by an electric spark at house number 8, Aderinola Street, claimed at least five lives. The residence, leased by Malian national Mahmoud Camara, was reportedly used to store mining explosives illegally.

In addition to the fatalities, 78 people sustained injuries and 335 individuals were directly affected. The explosion damaged 58 houses, 16 businesses, places of worship, three schools, and even impacted the University College Hospital (UCH).

According to the State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the new relief package is separate from the over ₦200 million already spent by the government on emergency accommodation, food, medical care, and security after the incident.

The Council also approved a recommendation from the committee to revoke the titles of two properties near the explosion site on Adeyi Avenue. The government plans to erect a memorial on the revoked land to honour victims of the tragedy.

The Council condemned what it described as “deliberate misinformation and half-truths” from individuals claiming to represent affected residents. It insisted that the government has acted with diligence and compassion throughout the recovery process.

Some delays in disbursement, the Commissioner explained, were due to ongoing family disputes among beneficiaries, which required careful resolution by the committee.

The state will also assist property owners around Ground Zero to rebuild, based on recommendations by government-hired structural engineers. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice is working to prosecute the suspects currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others who remain at large.

The government’s announcement came just hours after the victims issued a public appeal decrying the delay in fund disbursement. In a joint statement titled “Bodija Community Still in Ashes: A Response to Oyo State Government”, signed by Muyiwa Bamgbose (President, Bodija Estate Residents’ Association) and Iyiola Oladokun (Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group), the community expressed frustration over the 11-week delay since the committee submitted its report on February 26.

The residents acknowledged the government’s initial emergency support but urged Governor Makinde to fulfil his commitment to justice and recovery.

“Today, 473 days later, Bodija remains in ashes,” the statement read. “This community of retired civil servants and professionals continues to mourn, rebuild, and plead—largely without consistent governmental support. Many live without homes, their dignity diminished, unfairly portrayed as ungrateful.”

They concluded with an emotional appeal: “The lives lost cannot be replaced, but the survivors’ lives can still be rebuilt with compassion, courage, and justice. Governor Makinde, please honour your promise. Bodija must not be forgotten. Bodija deserves healing. This is our plea.”