Victims of the deadly Bodija explosion in Ibadan have renewed calls for compensation and sustained government support, two years after the incident that claimed lives and destroyed properties, amid controversy surrounding a reported ₦30 billion intervention fund.
The appeals were made on Saturday during an interdenominational remembrance service held at All Souls Church, Old Bodija, to mark the second anniversary of the tragedy.
The event was organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and was attended by residents, community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of the Oyo State Government.
Speaking at the service, BERA President, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, urged residents to remain calm while highlighting the plight of families who are yet to receive any form of assistance.
According to him, several families who lost loved ones have not been compensated, while others who began rebuilding their homes have been unable to complete the process due to lack of funds.
He explained that earlier compensation decisions were affected by financial constraints identified during committee deliberations, which led to reduced figures and the exclusion of some claims.
Bamgbose said recent reports indicating the availability of funds had raised fresh hope among victims, stressing that the affected families deserved support as the tragedy was neither planned nor desired by them.
He noted that the emotional and psychological effects of the explosion were still evident among survivors, with many still struggling to cope.
He appealed to the government to ensure that available funds are used to directly support victims rather than being diverted entirely to infrastructure projects, while also calling on residents to remain peaceful.
The renewed calls come amid claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that the Federal Government released ₦50 billion to Oyo State following the explosion. Fayose alleged that the funds were paid into state coffers and accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to disclose the receipt.
The Oyo State Government initially denied receiving the funds but later clarified that only ₦30 billion had been released, with an outstanding ₦20 billion yet to be paid.
The state maintained that the ₦30 billion remains untouched and earmarked for victim support and reconstruction.
Representing Governor Makinde at the event, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr. Demola Omotoso, said the state government remained committed to supporting victims of the explosion. He described the incident as unfortunate and unplanned, noting that the government responded promptly by providing immediate relief, security and temporary accommodation for affected residents.
Omotoso said government interventions had continued beyond the initial emergency response, adding that reconstruction of roads and other infrastructure was ongoing as part of efforts to restore normalcy in the area.
He dismissed claims of negligence, insisting that the government acted responsibly from the outset, even before funding sources were secured.
He assured residents that support for victims was an ongoing process and that more interventions would be implemented to ease their suffering.
According to him, the government remains focused on its responsibilities and is determined to do more until affected residents experience meaningful relief and recovery.
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