IBADAN (Nigeria), Jan 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A deadly blast that rocked the Nigerian city of Ibadan overnight was caused by explosives stored by illegal miners, the Oyo state governor has said.
Two people were killed and 77 others injured in the explosion that has affected seven suburbs of Nigeria’s third most-populous city.
Crowds have thronged the site of the blast as rescue efforts continue.
Buildings have been reduced to near rubble at the site of the blast and vehicles destroyed. Further away from the blast zone, windows have been blown out of houses and rooftops damaged.
Eyewitnesses say the explosion happened at around 19:45 local time in Bodija, a residential district of the city.
It was heard across the city of Ibadan, the capital of south-western Oyo state.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde posted a statement on Facebook promising that those responsible would be “brought to book”.
“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government,” he said.
“We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.” — NNN-AGENCIES
