10 people still missing from Ibadan explosion — Bodija community

About 10 people are still missing from the January 17 explosion in Ibadan, Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) said on Wednesday.

“I think it is now more towards eight and nine persons now, or even 10, whom those in the neighbourhood have talked about,” the association’s president Muyiwa Bamgbose said after a meeting.

“We took the map of the street to them (government) and tried to account for (people) house by house to get accurate information.

“If the person was seen yesterday and was not seen today or you can’t find him again, then you need to get worried. But I believe it’s nearer 10 now.”

BERA, an umbrella body of all communities in Bodija, also called for massive assistance for victims of the explosion to get back their lives.

The association pointed out the need for continuous care and support for victims whose lives have changed unexpectedly since the incident.

“I must also confess that some hospitals, like Redeemers Clinic, were treating victims free of charge without keeping records.

“The hospitals contributed by treating people without asking for money, and some people who could afford it took themselves to their private hospitals,” Bamgbose said.

He however lamented lack of proper organisation for victims in accessing hotel accommodation which the government said it provided.

While commending the efforts of the Federal Government and Oyo State Government, Bamgbose noted the need to learn from the explosion to better prepare for emergency operations.