A huge explosion has rocked Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Tuesday evening, sending residents into panic.
Videos posted online showed a dusty cloud and burning houses and cars.
Among areas affected by the explosion were University of Ibadan, Mokola, Eleyele, Felele, Bodija, Akobo, Secretariat, Jericho and Samonda.
A University of Ibadan student, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone said, “It is true. We all heard the sound and it was very loud. The cloud is cloudy with smoke. it happened at Bodija and we in the UI area could see the smoke. Even those at Sango and Ojo heard the sound. In fact, we are all in a room scared for our life.”
Motunrayo Adegboro, another resident of Barika, about 15 minutes away from the site of the blast in Ibadan confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday night.
She said, “Some people claimed it was a gas explosion while others said it was a filling station.
“It happened in Bodija. A mall, Ace Mall even collapsed.”
An X user, @WillieWinehouse tweeted, “A f***ing bomb just exploded in Ibadan! My entire house and street are in ruins!! What is going on!!”
Another X user, @the_beardedsina said that there were serious casualties and medical personnel were needed.
He tweeted, “Please Retweet if you see this. If you are a Medical personnel in Ibadan & close by. Please our help & assistance is needed at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija. There are serious casualties there. Please help share.”
There was no confirmation as to whether there were casualties or not as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Oyo government has called for calm following an explosion in parts of the state capital, Ibadan, on Tuesday evening.
Residents are advised to stay calm while security agencies investigate to ascertain the origin and reason behind the incident.
”The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan. Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident.”
