Bodija Explosion victims demand additional compensation over N30bn federal relief
Victims and families affected by the January 16, 2024 explosion in the Dejo Oyelese area of Bodija, Ibadan, have said they are yet to receive any additional compensation from the
Victims and families affected by the January 16, 2024 explosion in the Dejo Oyelese area of Bodija, Ibadan, have said they are yet to receive any additional compensation from the Oyo State Government despite revelations that N30 billion was released by the Federal Government in support of the state.
The Nation recalls that the blast, which rocked the Bodija Estate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, left five people dead, several others injured and property worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed.
Calls for a review of compensation payments intensified following disclosures that the federal government approved N50 billion for the state in the aftermath of the incident. Of the amount, N30 billion was reportedly released.
The initial report of the fund’s release was denied before the state government later confirmed receipt of N30 billion. It stated that the money was lodged in a bank account and would remain untouched pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion to complete the approved N50 billion.
The uncertainty surrounding the fund triggered muted agitations among affected residents and sections of the public.
The matter also assumed public discourse after former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, claimed that the Federal Government had released N50 billion to assist victims of the explosion.
The state government, however, maintained that only N30 billion had been disbursed and that the amount remained intact while awaiting the balance.
Chairman of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Dr Muyiwa Bangbose, speaking during a thanksgiving service marking the first anniversary of the incident in January, said residents initially accepted a downward review of compensation due to limited funds at the time.
He explained that the revelation of the N30 billion release had prompted a reassessment of their position. Bangbose appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde not to return the N30 billion to the Federal Government but to deploy it towards additional compensation for affected residents.
In a follow-up conversation by The Nation, Bangbose disclosed that the association had formally written to the state government seeking a meeting to review the compensation framework, with a view to disbursing further payments from the N30 billion pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion.
He added that the association was concluding plans to escalate the matter to attract government attention to the victims’ concerns.
While expressing appreciation for the government’s initial intervention, Bangbose urged that residents whose compensation was significantly reduced due to funding constraints at the time of the disaster should now be reconsidered in light of the available funds.
