Commends

  Nearly 18 months after the tragic explosion that rocked Bodija Estate in Ibadan, some victims have begun receiving financial support from the Oyo State Government. The Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG) and the wider Bodija community, on Thursday through a press conference publicly acknowledged the commencement of the disbursement of the Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, expressing deep gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise. While addressing the press at the Bodija Recreation Centre, BERA described the intervention as a “long-awaited but critical step towards healing and rebuilding.” The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:45 PM on January 16, 2024, at 8A and 8B Aderinola Street, was caused by explosives illegally stored in a private residence. Over 300 homes were destroyed or damaged, and several lives lost, leaving the entire Bodija community in trauma. “This disbursement brings hope to those still bearing the emotional, physical, and economic scars of that fateful day,” said Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, President of BERA. He praised Governor Makinde for his “compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to justice,” noting that the relief fund is a testament to responsive governance. The Oyo State Government, through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee led by the Deputy Governor, approved a total support package of ₦4.08 billion. This followed extensive assessments by professional bodies which identified 318 buildings within the 500-meter blast radius. The committee also recommended financial compensation to: Families that suffered fatalities (5); Registered tenants (102 beneficiaries); Owners of 37 damaged vehicles. While commending the robust technical and humanitarian response, which included efforts by agencies such as NEMA, OYSEMA, UCH, Nigerian Red Cross, DSS, and NSCDC, BERA emphasized its own contributions. These included emergency mobilization, advanced GIS-based impact mapping, transparent beneficiary registration, and organized community support efforts. The explosion response was also bolstered by technical support from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), and Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON), Oyo Chapter. The medical community, especially UCH and local private hospitals, were commended for delivering urgent care, medication, and blood transfusions at the height of the crisis. According to BERA, the community also received ₦35.4 million in donations and relief materials, including Federal Government provisions through NEMA and SEMA, which were officially received and equitably distributed in August 2024. However, the statement noted that 17 affected properties were excluded from the official compensation list due to being outside the 500-meter radius, a technical exclusion that, BERA insists, does not reflect the genuine losses suffered by those households. “We respectfully appeal to His Excellency to extend relief support to these households in the spirit of equity and compassion,” the statement read. The disbursement has officially commenced, with many beneficiaries confirming receipt. However, BERA acknowledged that around 20 cases mostly involving fatalities, inheritance disputes, or account discrepancies, would require additional clarification or legal resolution with input from the Ministry of Justice. While expressing cautious optimism, BERA reiterated that “no amount of money can replace the lives lost,” but emphasized the community’s resilience and commitment to a new chapter. As part of this, BERA announced the Smart Bodija Initiative, a visionary, long-term plan for restoration, security, and sustainable development in the estate. In closing, BERA pledged to continue engaging the government and stakeholders until every legitimate victim is compensated. The association also hinted at future advocacy regarding the prosecution of the perpetrators, noting that the case, initially filed at the Federal High Court, has been recharged at the Oyo State High Court. BERA expressed confidence that Oyo State is committed to pursuing justice, including filing extradition papers for suspects believed to be living abroad. “Bodija will never forget, but Bodija will rise again,” the statement concluded.