Oyo State Government, on Thursday, began the disbursement of ₦4.8 billion for the victims of Bodija explosion.
This was announced during a press conference jointly addressed by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and the wider Bodija community, held in Ibadan, the state capital.
PUNCH Online reports that the recommendation for the relief funds followed an explosion that rocked the community on January 17, 2024, causing extensive damage and casualties.
Recall that the explosion, believed to be caused by illegal miners’ explosives, affected 77 houses while five people were confirmed dead, with many sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Addressing journalists on behalf of other groups, the President of BERA, Muyiwa Bamgbose, described the intervention as a “long-awaited but critical step towards healing and rebuilding.”
Bamgbose thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise, adding that, “This disbursement brings hope to those still bearing the emotional, physical, and economic scars of that fateful day.”
He further praised Makinde for his “Compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to justice,” noting that the relief fund is a testament to responsive governance.
The president said, “The State Government, through the Relief Fund Management and Disbursement Committee led by the Deputy Governor, approved a total support package of ₦4.08 billion.
“This followed extensive assessments by professional bodies, which identified 318 buildings within the 500m blast radius. The committee also recommended financial compensation to families that suffered fatalities, five; registered tenants (102 beneficiaries); owners of 37 damaged vehicles.”
He also commended the robust technical and humanitarian response, which included efforts by agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency, Oyo State Management Agency, University College Hospital, Nigerian Red Cross, Department of State Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, BERA emphasised its own contributions.
”The explosion response was also bolstered by technical support from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and the state chapter Geoinformation Society of Nigeria.
“The medical community, especially UCH and local private hospitals, were commended for delivering urgent care, medication, and blood transfusions at the height of the crisis,” he said.
According to him, the community also received ₦35.4 million in donations and relief materials, including Federal Government provisions through NEMA and SEMA, which were officially received and equitably distributed in August 2024.
He, however, noted that 17 affected properties were excluded from the official compensation list due to being outside the 500-metre radius.
“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency to extend relief support to these households in the spirit of equity and compassion.
“The disbursement has officially commenced, with many beneficiaries confirming receipt. However, BERA acknowledged that around 20 cases, mostly involving fatalities, inheritance disputes, or account discrepancies, would require additional clarification or legal resolution with input from the Ministry of Justice.
“While expressing cautious optimism, BERA reiterated that no amount of money can replace the lives lost, but emphasised the community’s resilience and commitment to a new chapter. As part of this, BERA announced the Smart Bodija Initiative, a visionary, long-term plan for restoration, security, and sustainable development in the estate.
“Bodija will never forget, but Bodija will rise again,” he said.
The PUNCH
