Bodija explosion: Oyo govt approves ₦4.5bn for victims

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support for the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024.

The decision was made during the ongoing Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, this amount is in addition to over ₦200 million already spent by the state government on accommodation, feeding, hospital, and security expenses following the tragic incident.

The Council also approved the recommendation of the 10-man committee to revoke the titles of two properties off Adeyi Avenue, the scene of the explosion, in the overall public interest. The government plans to build a monument at the location in memory of the victims.

The Commissioner noted that some beneficiaries are involved in family disputes, which required the intervention of the 10-man committee.

The government will also allow owners of other properties adjoining Ground Zero to rebuild their homes, based on the advice of government-paid structural engineers.

According to the Commissioner, the government, through the Ministry of Justice, will ensure the effective prosecution of suspects already arraigned in court, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.