Residents of the section of Bodija housing estate affected by the illegal mining explosion in Ibadan earlier this year have called on the federal government and the Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state to come to their aid.
Recall that on January 16, explosives for illegal mining activities stored in a building in the estate exploded, destroying scores of houses and several properties in the Bodija housing estate axis of the state.
Speaking on behalf of affected residents under the aegis of Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (VODG), the community’s spokesperson, Prof. Olabode Lucas explained that the incident has caused untold hardship and trauma for residents, many of whom are senior citizens.
“The blast of 16th January 2024 has rendered many of us homeless and disillusioned. What happened that day was not caused by the activities of any of us,” he noted in his speech. “It is an understatement to say that we are in distress as many of us have not been able to return to our homes and are still squatting with relatives and friends. Our houses destroyed by the blast are now overgrown with weeds and invaded by wild animals.”
To ameliorate the impact of the incident, they appealed to the federal government “for financial rehabilitation as it has been done for victims of the mining explosion in the Niger State and the victims of the more recent flood disaster in Maiduguri in Borno State, all in the Northern part of the country,” noting that this financial rehabilitation would help them rebuild their houses built during their active years.
Speaking further, they commended the initial actions of Governor Seyi Makinde who provided immediate relief and support when the incident happened. However, the affected residents urged the Governor to fulfill his promise to cover their material loss.
“We urge the Oyo State Government to act without delay on the list submitted at the Oyo State Housing Corporation on the material losses we suffered as a result of the blast. The list was submitted about nine months ago and up till now the government has not done anything on the list to compensate us, the unfortunate victims as promised.”
“We urge that the prosecution of the agents of destruction who disturbed the peace of our residential area on 16th January 2024 should continue unabated. We notice that nothing has been heard on the case, since their arraignment at Ibadan High Court in April.
“We, in the DOVG call for more proactive actions to curb the activities of illegal miners who bring explosives to residential areas to cause mayhem and destruction of lives and properties,” the spokesperson added.
Various affected residents who spoke at the press conference recounted their experiences, and the trauma and hardship they continue to face, noting that the government must act to ameliorate their hardship.
“I appeal to the government to please come to our aid. I don’t know where they want us to start from,” Femi Ojo, one of the residents, said.
