Seventeen months after the devastating explosion that rocked Bodija Estate in Ibadan, financial relief has begun to reach affected residents, courtesy of the Oyo State Government.
The Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), in a press conference held in Ibadan, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise of support.
President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, described the disbursement as a “long-awaited but critical step towards healing and rebuilding,” acknowledging the profound emotional, physical, and economic toll the tragedy inflicted on the community.
“This disbursement brings hope to those still bearing the scars of that fateful day,” Bamgbose said, lauding Governor Makinde’s “compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.” He emphasized that the relief fund was a clear testament to responsive governance.
According to BERA, the Oyo State Government, through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee led by the Deputy Governor, approved a ₦4.08 billion support package. Following extensive technical assessments, 318 buildings within a 500-meter blast radius were identified as impacted. Financial compensation was approved for:
Families who suffered fatalities (5);
Registered tenants (102 beneficiaries);
Owners of 37 damaged vehicles.
BERA commended the technical and humanitarian efforts by various agencies, including NEMA, OYSEMA, UCH, Nigerian Red Cross, DSS, and NSCDC. The association also highlighted its own contributions, such as emergency mobilization, advanced GIS-based impact mapping, transparent beneficiary registration, and coordinated community support.
The explosion response, BERA noted, was further strengthened by professional input from bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), and the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria (GEOSON). Medical teams from UCH and several private hospitals were also praised for their immediate and life-saving interventions.
In addition to state support, the Bodija community received ₦35.4 million in donations and relief materials—including supplies from the Federal Government distributed by NEMA and SEMA in August 2024.
However, BERA raised concerns that 17 affected properties were excluded from the official compensation list due to their location outside the designated 500-meter radius. Calling this a “technical exclusion,” the association appealed for Governor Makinde’s intervention to include these households, stressing the importance of equity and compassion.
“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency to extend relief support to these households in the spirit of equity,” the association urged.
While disbursement has officially commenced—with many beneficiaries confirming receipt—BERA acknowledged that approximately 20 cases require further clarification. These involve fatalities, inheritance disputes, or account irregularities, and will need input from the Ministry of Justice.
Despite the challenges, BERA reaffirmed its optimism, stating that while no amount of money can replace lost lives, the community remains resilient. As part of a forward-looking vision, the association announced the Smart Bodija Initiative, aimed at long-term restoration, enhanced security, and sustainable development in the estate.
In its concluding remarks, BERA pledged to continue engaging with the government and relevant stakeholders until all legitimate victims receive justice and compensation. The association also indicated plans for future advocacy concerning the prosecution of those responsible for the explosion. The case, initially filed at the Federal High Court, has been refiled at the Oyo State High Court, with extradition efforts underway for suspects believed to be abroad.
“Bodija will never forget, but Bodija will rise again,” the statement concluded
