In the aftermath of the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, has called on the state government to conduct extensive medical tests on the victims.
The explosion, which occurred in the Bodija area of the city, resulted in the death of five people and left 77 others injured. Adelabu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and urged the surviving residents to undergo thorough medical examinations. He highlighted the potential long-term effects of the explosion on residents in close proximity to the blast site and called for further health checks to be conducted.
Adelabu praised the efforts of the Oyo State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other organizations in providing assistance to the affected individuals. However, he stressed the need for long-term support to alleviate the suffering of the displaced residents and called on the federal government, well-meaning Nigerians, and NGOs to provide relief materials.
The Minister also noted the damage to electricity infrastructure caused by the explosion and pledged to personally oversee the repair process in collaboration with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Professor Temitope Alonge, the head of the emergency operations center responsible for the evacuation and rescue efforts, revealed that people up to 600 meters away from the explosion site had registered at the center for health check-ups. He further disclosed that the Nigerian Society of Engineers would submit their reports on the structural integrity of buildings located 500 meters from the epicenter of the explosion.
Alonge appealed to affected residents to come forward if they were experiencing unexplained symptoms in their bodies. It is crucial for those impacted to seek medical attention and report any health concerns to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.
The Ibadan explosion serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the need for vigilance in preventing such incidents from occurring. Adelabu emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to prevent future incidents and encouraged individuals to look out for their neighbors’ well-being.
As the affected community begins its recovery process, it is crucial that all necessary steps are taken to support the victims and mitigate the long-term effects of the explosion. Conducting comprehensive medical tests on the victims, repairing damaged infrastructure, and providing relief materials are essential measures that must be implemented promptly.
