By Kamsi Anayo
Some prominent Nigerians and other residents of Bodija in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where an explosion occurred on Tuesday night are currently homeless.
The dignitaries include a former deputy governor of the state, Iyiola Oladokun and some members of his family, who got displaced after the explosion rocked the area.
A close associate of the former deputy governor who confirmed this said Oladokun and his family members are currently being housed by a friend.
“The house of the former deputy governor of the state is located in the area where the incident occurred.
“It is close to the building where the explosion occurred. They have vacated the house,” the source said.
Apart from this, it was also gathered that the home of the former Attorney General of the Federation, late Chief Bola Ige was also affected.
Another source said that the houses of some staff members of the University of Ibadan were equally affected.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Seyi Makinde has confirmed that two residents of Bodija area where the explosion occurred lost their lives.
He made this known via his Facebook page, where he also stated that 77 people got injured during the unfortunate incident.
Speaking via his social media page Makinde said: “In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The governor went on to reveal that explosive devices by illegal miners caused the explosion.
He later visited the scene of the explosion and directed medical personnel across Ibadan to treat all victims free of charge.