Officials across Nigeria reported a widening casualty toll this week after an explosion in Idaban, the capital of Oyo state in the southwest, taking the figure to five deaths. Earlier updates had listed two fatalities and roughly 80 people injured, painting a more dire picture of the incident. Local authorities describe the situation as still developing and have urged residents to stay calm while rescue teams press on with on-site efforts to locate survivors, account for the missing, and secure the area against further danger.
In a public briefing, Fatai Owoseni, the governor’s private security adviser, confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing and that fresh information shows two more bodies were recovered beyond the three victims identified the day before. He stressed the unwavering commitment of security forces, firefighters, and medical personnel to identify every person affected and to conduct a thorough sweep of the impacted zone. Coordination among multiple agencies continues to be a high priority to streamline the response, support families, and document every development as the investigation progresses.
Initial assessments from state officials point to the blast stemming from explosives stored by illegal miners in the vicinity, which were compromised in some way. The explosion unleashed extensive destruction, leveling homes, damaging vehicles, and damaging other infrastructure within a wide radius. The explosive ordnance disposal teams are actively gathering evidence and tracing connections to determine everyone who had a direct or indirect role in the incident. The objective is to understand how the stockpiles were left unsecured and to put measures in place to prevent a similar calamity in the future, protecting residents and communities nearby.
During remarks tied to the aftermath, Governor Seyi Makinde visited the injured and families affected by the blast, underscoring a firm commitment to accountability. He asserted that those responsible would face justice, labeling the act as savage. While the Nigerian Army weighed in on the investigation, it clarified that there is no indication of terrorist involvement at this stage. The focus remains on criminal networks involved in illegal mining and unsafe storage practices rather than any organized terrorist operation. Makinde announced that medical costs for the injured would be covered by authorities, and temporary shelter would be provided for residents who lost homes, while longer-term plans are outlined to restore safety and strengthen community resilience against future risks.