The tragic explosion that hit the
Bodija area of Ibadan on last week Tuesday has left a trail of destruction,
with numerous individuals and businesses counting their losses, including
prominent figures such as the late Chief Bola Ige, former Ondo State Governor, late Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and legal
luminary Niyi Akintola (SAN).
The death toll to the disaster
has also risen to five, according to unconfirmed reports.
The blast wreaked havoc within a
100-meter radius, particularly impacting clusters of businesses, predominantly
in the hospitality sector.
Reports showed that Dejo Oyelese
Street, Alabiamo Street, Adeniyi Street, and Adenuga Street of Old Bodija bore
the brunt of the devastation.
Initial estimates from the
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirm that a staggering 58
structures bore the brunt of the blast, leaving many homeless and causing
extensive damage to businesses in a 100-meter radius.
According to a statement
attributed to Akintola SAN, a list of businesses and properties destroyed
included those belonging to the late Chief Ige and late Akeredolu.
Among the casualties was a
high-end hotel known as ‘House 40’ on Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, known to be
a stopping point for notable politicians and personalities in the state.
Akintola, in the statement, said
the blast “marks the remnants of humble contributions to the hospitality sector
in Ibadaland, following the explosions last night in Bodija. The affected
establishment is a high-end hotel situated in the upscale area known as ‘House
40,’ which shares a fence with the residence of H.E. Iyiola Oladokun”.
“Several other members of the Bar with
properties on the same street faced destruction, including the late Chief Bola
Ige SAN and the late Chief Bandele Aiku SAN. Additionally, a hospitality
building reportedly owned by the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi
Akeredolu SAN, suffered significant damage,” he said.
Akintola lamented the distressing
situation, revealing that some guests and three hotel staffers were currently
hospitalized.
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