The Herald reports that the Oyo State Government has confirmed that there were explosions in Ibadan on Tuesday night.
In a terse post on their verified X page, the state government stated that investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
The statement signed by the Hon Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged residents to remain calm.
It read: “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 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.
“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde bia hos official X handle said, “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.
Makinde added that, “preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.
He urge all residents to call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.