The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) revealed on Wednesday that approximately 10 individuals remain unaccounted for following the explosion in Ibadan on January 17.
BERA President Muyiwa Bamgbose stated, “I think it is now more towards eight and nine persons now, or even 10, whom those in the neighbourhood have talked about.” After a meeting, he mentioned, “We took the map of the street to them (government) and tried to account for (people) house by house to get accurate information. If the person was seen yesterday and was not seen today or you can’t find him again, then you need to get worried. But I believe it’s nearer 10 now.”
As an umbrella body for all communities in Bodija, BERA called for substantial assistance for the victims of the explosion to help them rebuild their lives. The association stressed the importance of continuous care and support for those whose lives have been unexpectedly altered since the incident.
Bamgbose acknowledged the efforts of hospitals, such as Redeemers Clinic, that treated victims without charge, although some lacked proper record-keeping. He expressed concern about the lack of organized arrangements for victims to access hotel accommodation, which the government had purportedly provided.
While commending the Federal Government and Oyo State Government’s efforts, Bamgbose emphasized the need to draw lessons from the explosion to enhance preparedness for emergency operations.
