Oyo started payment of N4.8 billion to the victims of the Bodija explosion

The State Government of Oyo said that he had begun the long-awaited N4.8 billion disbursement as a victim of a destroying explosion that shook Bodija Estate, Ibadan, on January 17, 2024.

This development was officially announced on Thursday at a Press Briefing which was held jointly by the Bodija Estate Residence ‘Association (BERA), Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, and representatives of the broader Bodija community.

The explosion, reportedly triggered by stored explosives related to illegal mining activities, destroyed 77 houses, the left score was injured, and claimed five lives.

Speaking on behalf of the affected community, the President Bera Muyiwa Bamgbose described payment as an important moment on the journey to rebuilding.

“This disbursement brings hope for those who still have emotional, physical, and economic scars on the decisive day,” Bamgbose said.

He praised Governor Seyi Makinde for respecting his commitment, said the movement showed loving leadership and responsive government.

“The state government, through the Assistance and Disbursement Fund Management Committee led by the Deputy Governor, approved the total support package N4.08BN,” Bamgbose announced.

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He explained that professional evaluation was carried out to determine the level of damage in a 500 meter explosion radius. A total of 318 buildings were confirmed affected, and compensation was extended to five mourning families, 102 registered tenants, and 37 owners of damaged vehicles.

The explosion, which shook the upper class residential area, encouraged quick action from the federal institution and the state. Bamgbose praised the collaborative response from the organization including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency of OYO (SEMA), University Hospital (UCH), Nigerian Red Cross, DSS, and NSCDC.

He further highlighted the technical support provided by professional bodies such as the Nigeria Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria, all of which played an important role in post-disaster assessment and recovery planning.

“The medical community, especially UCH and local private hospitals, is praised for providing emergency treatment, medicines, and blood transfusions at the peak of the crisis,” Bamgbose added.

According to him, an additional N35.4 million in cash contributions and assistance material – including people from the federal government through NEMA and SEMA – received and distributed fairly in August 2024.

However, Bamgbose noted that 17 properties were expelled from the official compensation list because they fell outside the mapped 500 meter damage zone.

“We respectfully attract His Majesty to expand the support of assistance to this household in the spirit of justice and affection,” he said.

He confirmed that many beneficiaries have now received their payments, but noted that around 20 special cases – mostly involved death, inheritance conflict, or account verification problems – which were delayed due to legal complexity. This will be handled together with the Ministry of Justice.

While acknowledging that there was no financial assistance that could replace the lost life, Bamgbose praised the resilience of society and promised a collective commitment for renewal.