Two years after the devastating Bodija explosion that claimed lives and destroyed homes in Ibadan, victims and their families have renewed calls for compensation and sustained government support, amid controversy surrounding a reported N30bn 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.
Vanguard Newspaper reports that the event was organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and drew residents, community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of the Oyo State Government.
Speaking at the service, BERA President, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, urged calm among residents while drawing attention to families who remain without assistance.
“I have to appeal to our people. There are families who lost loved ones and, as we speak, they have not received anything. There are also people who started rebuilding their houses but have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds,” Bamgbose said.
He explained that earlier compensation decisions were influenced by financial limitations revealed during committee deliberations.
“I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact,” he said.
Bamgbose said recent reports suggested funds were now available and appealed for renewed focus on the welfare of victims.
“However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our attitude, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition,” he said.
“They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings,” he added.
Addressing the emotional toll of the disaster, Bamgbose said the effects of the explosion continued to linger among survivors.
“There is no way anything we do can completely remove the scar; the scar will always be there. But it should not be something that will cause them to continue in sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is,” he said.
He appealed to both residents and government authorities, urging restraint and renewed intervention.
“We are appealing to the people to remain calm, and we are also appealing to the government that now that funds are available, they should not be returned or used entirely for roads or other projects. The people who are hurting should be supported,” Bamgbose said.
Recall that former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose claimed Oyo State received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government after the Bodija explosion.
He insisted the money was paid into state coffers and accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to disclose its receipt.
The state initially denied receiving the funds, but later clarified that only ₦30 billion was released, with the remaining ₦20 billion unpaid.
Fayose had demanded that the unspent ₦30 billion be returned with interest for victims, while Oyo insisted the fund remains untouched and earmarked for support and reconstruction. This is as it stated that it awaits the N20bn balance.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotoso, said the state government remained committed to supporting victims of the explosion.
“I praise God that we are all here today. The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen,” Omotoso said.
“When such things happen, the Word of God says that in everything we should give thanks. God is still God in spite of all that happened, and there are still reasons to give thanks,” he added.
Omotoso said the government responded immediately following the explosion.
“As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured, and people were accommodated over a period of time,” he said.
“Many measures were put in place to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the people at that time,” Omotoso added.
He said government assistance continued beyond the initial response.
“Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones,” he said.
“We will continue to show empathy, and our prayer is that God will comfort all of us, particularly those who lost loved ones or property. This is also why His Excellency believes our presence here is part of showing empathy to the people,” Omotoso said.
Rejecting suggestions of a lapse in responsibility, Omotoso said the government acted promptly.
“From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from,” he said.
“This remains an ongoing process. What has been released, what will still be released, and what is currently ongoing are all part of government efforts,” he added.
He pointed to reconstruction works as evidence of commitment.
“Roads and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and these actions show that the people affected are our people. The lives lost were citizens and indigenes of Oyo State, and the governor is a father to all,” Omotoso said.
Responding to criticism, he said the government remained focused.
“We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people,” he said.
Omotoso assured residents that further interventions were planned.
“The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people,” he said.
“This is a government that is alive and responsive. We are not playing politics with the lives of the people, and we will never do so,” he added.
“Where we are now is not where it will stop. The government is still going to do more,” Omotoso said.
“We have done more than enough, and even with what we have done, we are determined to do more. Until we see smiles on the faces of the people, we are not done yet.”
Punch
