Oyo State Goment Approve ₦4.5 Billion to Help Bodija Explosion Survivors
Oyo State goment don approve ₦4.5 billion as support money for the people wey suffer and the families of those wey die for the Bodija explosion wey happen on January 16, 2024.
Dem announce this decision after State Executive Council meeting wey happen for Governor office on Wednesday.
Governor Seyi Makinde, on December 24, 2024, set up one 10-man committee wey Deputy Governor dey lead, to manage and share the relief money give people wey lose property for the explosion.
Wetin Happen for the Explosion
The explosion kill at least 5 people. Dem talk say na water gel-type explosive cause am, and na electric spark from House 8, Aderinola Street start the wahala. That house na one Malian man, Mahmoud Camara, rent am and e dey use am for mining and storing explosives.
- 78 people wound
- 335 people affected
- 58 houses scatter
- 16 companies/businesses, plus churches, mosques, 3 schools and even University College Hospital (UCH) suffer damage.
Wetin the Commissioner Talk
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, talk say this ₦4.5 billion no include the ₦200 million plus wey the goment don already use for hospital bill, food, security and temporary accommodation for victims.
Dem also approve the committee recommendation to cancel the land title of two properties for Adeyi Avenue, near where the explosion happen. Dem plan to build one monument for the place as remembrance for people wey die for the disaster.
Wetin Goment Talk About Fake News
The Council vex well well say some people wey claim say dem represent Bodija residents dey spread lies and half-truths about wetin the goment don do. Dem say such behavior no good and e dey try discourage good work.
Commissioner also yarn say some of the people wey go get money dey get family wahala, and the 10-man committee dey settle the issues before dem fit share the money.
Plans Wey Still Dey Ground
- Goment go help rebuild houses wey dey near Ground Zero
- Goment Structural Engineers go advise on the work
- Ministry of Justice go make sure say suspects wey dem catch go face court
- Goment still dey find others wey run after the explosion wahala
Wetin Victims Still Dey Talk
Meanwhile, some victims still dey complain say 11 weeks after the committee submit report to Governor Makinde, money never reach their hand.
Dem write letter wey dem title:
“Bodija Community Still in Ashes: A Response to Oyo State Government”,
and dem sign am with names of their leaders:
Muyiwa Bamgbose (President, Bodija Estate Residents’ Association)
Iyiola Oladokun (Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group)
Wetin Dem Talk for the Letter
“Today, 473 days later, Bodija still dey in ashes. People still dey mourn, rebuild small small, and dey beg goment wey no really show say dem care.
This community na home to retired civil servants, senior professionals, elderly citizens wey don serve Nigeria. Many don lose their homes and even their dignity, and now some officials dey paint dem like say dem no dey grateful.
We know say the people wey die no fit come back, but the ones wey still dey alive deserve to be helped. We beg again – make Governor Seyi Makinde keep him promise, give justice, and help bring healing.
Bodija must not be forgotten. Bodija deserve healing. This na our plea.”
