The Oyo State Government has approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024.
This decision was taken at the state executive council meeting held at the governor’s office on Wednesday.
Governor Seyi Makinde had, on December 24, 2024, inaugurated a 10-man committee, headed by the state deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, to oversee the management and disbursement of relief funds to those who lost property to the explosion.
No fewer than five people died in the January 16, 2024, explosion caused by a water gel-type-based explosive triggered by an electric spark at house number 8, Aderinola Street, rented by one Mahmoud Camara, a Malian engaged in mining and storing explosives in the house.
The incident also saw 78 persons sustain injuries, 335 persons affected, 58 houses damaged, including 16 companies or business operators, churches, mosques, three schools, as well as the University College Hospital.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in Wednesday’s statement, this is apart from the over N200m that the government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills following the tragic incident.
Also, the council approved the recommendation of the 10-man committee to revoke the Title of two properties off Adeyi avenue, scene of the explosion, in the overall interest of the public and that the government should build a monument on the location of the revoked land in memory of the victims of the tragedy.
