Residents of the Bodija area in Ibadan, alongside a Baptist cleric, have made a fresh and urgent appeal to the Oyo State Government. They are calling for the release of more funds to support victims of the devastating explosion that rocked the community two years ago.
Remembrance Service Highlights Unmet Needs
The appeal was made during an interdenominational remembrance service held on Friday. The event, tagged “2024 Bodija Explosion Second Year Remembrance,” was organized by the Bodija Estate Resident Association (BERA) in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG). It took place at All Souls’ Church in Old Bodija, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The service was attended by many residents, survivors of the blast, and family members of those affected. It served as a somber reminder of the tragic event on January 16, 2024, when a massive explosion in the Adeyi area of Ibadan claimed several lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira. Authorities attributed the blast to explosives stored by artisanal miners.
Leaders and Cleric Issue Direct Appeal
Speaking at the event, the President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, directly called on the state government to act now that funds are reportedly available. “We had support from the government, but it was barely enough. We did not know there was money. Now we know we have money. Those short-changed can now get their change,” Bamgbose stated.
He emphasized the ongoing struggles of the victims, noting that many are still trying to rebuild their homes and lives. “Some households were affected in ways that should never have happened... These are human beings, not just statistics, and whatever support is due to them must be provided with compassion and fairness,” he added.
In his sermon, Rev. (Dr.) Julius Okanlawon appealed to the authorities to ensure justice is served and that victims receive adequate compensation. “We should ensure justice is done to those involved in the explosion and ensure victims are adequately compensated. More should be done for the victims in terms of relief materials,” the cleric urged, while also encouraging the community to put their trust in God.
The Vice President of BERA, Mr. Dipo Olasope, echoed the sentiment, praying that God would touch the heart of the state government to provide more funds.
Government Responds, Calls Compensation an Ongoing Process
Reacting to the appeals, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Demola Omotosho, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, assured the community of the government's commitment. “Compensation is an ongoing process. We are alive to our responsibilities... We are not playing politics with the lives of the people. We have done more than enough. We are still going to do more until there is a smile on the faces of the people,” Omotosho said.
He earlier commiserated with the victims, acknowledging that money cannot buy back the lives lost in the tragedy. He pledged the government's continued support for the people of Bodija and all residents of Oyo State.
The event underscores the lingering pain and unmet needs in the Bodija community, two years after a disaster that reshaped countless lives and left a permanent scar on the city of Ibadan.
