Ibadan Explosion: Residents Blame Malian
Category:
Nigeria News
Residents of Bodija, where the Tuesday explosion took place, have asserted
that the individual responsible for the disaster is a Malian engaged in
illegal mining activities in various parts of Oyo State.
Several residents from the street where the incident unfolded informed Daily Post on Wednesday that the individual behind the calamity was the occupant of the building where the incident took place.
An elderly individual, who shared insights with Daily Post, mentioned that the Malian had been residing in the house for several years.
"He hails from Mali. However, I was unaware that he had stored such explosives in the house. We were acquainted with his Malian background, and everyone knew about his involvement in illegal mining.
Several residents from the street where the incident unfolded informed Daily Post on Wednesday that the individual behind the calamity was the occupant of the building where the incident took place.
An elderly individual, who shared insights with Daily Post, mentioned that the Malian had been residing in the house for several years.
"He hails from Mali. However, I was unaware that he had stored such explosives in the house. We were acquainted with his Malian background, and everyone knew about his involvement in illegal mining.
READ:
Ibadan Explosion: Gov Makinde Identifies Company Responsible for Storing
Explosive Devices
"He and his family had vacated the premises before the incident. Upon noticing the flames, he swiftly evacuated his children and wife, fleeing the scene. Even those who were alerted to the fire promptly left."
"He is involved in business in the Oke Ogun area. Only those who were unaware suffered the consequences. The man and his family members are likely still in Ibadan; they have connections here," he stated.
Another long-term resident, with over two decades in the area, pointed out that many people were reluctant to speak due to fear of reprisals.
The man in his 60s told the news outlet, "People are hesitant to speak. What can they say? What the first person shared with you is accurate.
"Visit the places I mentioned. If you enter from Obasa, only a few houses are occupied by Nigerians. The majority of the houses are owned by Malians. Verify it. It's a result of our negligence," he lamented.
READ: Over 20 Houses Affected in Ibadan Explosion - NEMA
Another resident revealed that the Malian had relocated from his previous residence following a petition by local residents.
"The man is involved in illicit mining activities and has resided in the house for over a year. I wasn't at home during the incident, but upon returning from work, I visited the site to assess the building.
"Three houses had completely collapsed.
"We found some documents, including a petition against him by fellow tenants from his previous residence.
"This led him to leave that place and move here. He brought all the documents along, but unfortunately, the explosion scattered them. That's how we came across the documents," he explained.
To recap, an explosion occurred at Dejo Oyelese Close, Bodija Housing Estate in Ibadan on Tuesday, resulting in three confirmed fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
"He and his family had vacated the premises before the incident. Upon noticing the flames, he swiftly evacuated his children and wife, fleeing the scene. Even those who were alerted to the fire promptly left."
"He is involved in business in the Oke Ogun area. Only those who were unaware suffered the consequences. The man and his family members are likely still in Ibadan; they have connections here," he stated.
Another long-term resident, with over two decades in the area, pointed out that many people were reluctant to speak due to fear of reprisals.
The man in his 60s told the news outlet, "People are hesitant to speak. What can they say? What the first person shared with you is accurate.
"Visit the places I mentioned. If you enter from Obasa, only a few houses are occupied by Nigerians. The majority of the houses are owned by Malians. Verify it. It's a result of our negligence," he lamented.
READ: Over 20 Houses Affected in Ibadan Explosion - NEMA
Another resident revealed that the Malian had relocated from his previous residence following a petition by local residents.
"The man is involved in illicit mining activities and has resided in the house for over a year. I wasn't at home during the incident, but upon returning from work, I visited the site to assess the building.
"Three houses had completely collapsed.
"We found some documents, including a petition against him by fellow tenants from his previous residence.
"This led him to leave that place and move here. He brought all the documents along, but unfortunately, the explosion scattered them. That's how we came across the documents," he explained.
To recap, an explosion occurred at Dejo Oyelese Close, Bodija Housing Estate in Ibadan on Tuesday, resulting in three confirmed fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
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