January 16, (THEWILL) – Panic gripped residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a loud explosion rocked the city on Tuesday evening.
While THEWILL can not immediately ascertain the cause of the explosion, videos shared on Twitter showed some of the areas affected by the blast and people running for safety a few minutes after the explosion.
Reports say the sound of the explosion was heard in many areas of the city, including the University of Ibadan, Bodija, Akobo, Mokola and Secrétariat.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has urged residents to remain calm while security agencies investigate the incident.
The Government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said it has taken over the scene of the explosion with the assistance of security agents who are also investigating the cause of the incident.
It advised residents to go about their lawful businesses, disclosing that further information would be made available in the coming hours.
The Statement reads: “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.
“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.
“All security service chiefs, including paramilitary chiefs, and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the Governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore, implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”
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