IBADAN, Nigeria – A massive explosion in the city of Ibadan on Tuesday resulted in two fatalities, more than 70 injuries, and left several Catholic families homeless, as reported by local authorities.
The explosion originated from a suspected illegal mining site in Ibadan, the third most populous city in Nigeria, causing devastating damage to buildings and structures within a radius of over 100 meters. The blast also affected the homes of numerous Catholic families in the area.
Father Francis Awotoye, the pastor of the Ascension Bodija parish, described the harrowing experience, stating that many parishioners were left homeless because their houses were rendered uninhabitable by the explosion. He recounted that the blast occurred shortly after he finished offering Mass, with the loud and deafening sound prompting panic among parishioners.
Reports indicate that the explosion took place nearly a mile from the parish, at the site of an illegal mining operation. Allegedly, workers at the site were storing explosives in their homes, which led to the tragic event. The aftermath of the explosion saw extensive damage to houses within the estate, with two homes completely razed and severe damage to others’ ceilings and roofs.
Local officials have since launched investigations into the incident, attributing the explosion to the detonation of explosives stored in a home at the illegal mining site. Furthermore, there are questions surrounding how the workers at the mining site were able to acquire and store such large quantities of explosives, with residents specifically raising concerns about a Malian national and his mining company’s involvement.
The situation remains ongoing, as efforts to provide aid and support to the affected families are underway, while residents and local authorities seek to address the regulatory and safety issues that led to this tragedy.