One of the Survivors of the explosion that shook Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State yesterday, Alhaji Mohammed Musa said the blast was caused by the activities of illegal miners.

Alhaji Mohammed Musa lived next to the epicenter of the explosion.

He said foreigners who engaged in mining activities caused the explosion.

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He added that they left shortly before the explosion.

Although the official number of victims has not yet been announced, it is believes that three people were killed in the explosion.

One of the deceased was identified as a returnee from the UK.

In a video that went viral online, the British returnee was identified as the son of one of the landowners of the Ibadan estate where the explosion occurred.

‘At the scene of yesterday’s explosion, bodies were recovered from the rubble and placed in body bags.

Earlier, the Oyo State Government announced that two of his people lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.

Additionally, seriously injured survivors were loaded into waiting ambulances.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also said the explosion was caused by explosives stockpiled by illegal miners.

He added that two people were killed in the explosion, which occurred around 7:44 pm January 16th.

he added that about 77 people were injured.

Recall that on Tuesday, January 16, at around 7:44 pm, loud explosions were heard in different parts of the state capital, causing panic and confusion.

 In a press release published on his verified X page on Wednesday morning, Mr Makinde said preliminary investigations revealed that illegal miners had stored explosives in one of the houses in Bodija.

 In his words: “We visited the Bodija explosion site in Ibadan.The unfortunate accident resulted in casualties among nearby residents and damage to buildings.

“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant authorities to the site of the incident to carry out extensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

Civil engineering equipment, ambulances, emergency lighting and security forces were dispatched to the scene of the accident.

Emergency response room has been set up.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Suleiman Olanrewaju said: “Search and rescue operations continued at the scene throughout the night.

Updates from the Emergency Room will be published through official government accounts and media channels.

“The Situation Room can be contacted on 07049948057 and 08147672009. Residents are advised to leave the scene of the incident and call toll-free 615 in case of emergency.