An explosion rocked the Nigerian state of Oyo on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of at least two lives and leaving dozens injured.
The explosion occurred due to the detonation of stored explosives in a residential area of the state.
Eyewitnesses reported multiple houses collapsing and vehicles being destroyed in the aftermath of the explosion, which sent frightened residents fleeing into the streets. Emergency services, including security personnel and rescue teams, immediately sprang into action to search for survivors amidst the debris.
The search and rescue operation, conducted with the aid of heavy machinery, commenced in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, located about 130 kilometers away from Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital.
The explosion's impact shattered roofs and windows of nearby houses, leaving their owners watching from a distance as authorities scoured the area for survivors.
The police cordoned off the accident site, where a massive crater had formed as a result of the explosion's force.
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo state, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that two individuals lost their lives, and 77 others sustained injuries, most of whom have been treated and released from the hospital.
Preliminary investigations conducted by security agencies indicated that illegal miners residing in one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices, which ultimately led to the devastating explosion.
Governor Makinde pledged the state government's commitment to providing temporary accommodation for those who have lost their homes in the incident.