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N30bn Intervention Fund: Ibadan Explosion Victims Renew Calls for Compensation, Financial Support

PublishedJanuary 19, 2026

Victims and families affected by the Bodija explosion have renewed calls for compensation and sustained government support amid controversy surrounding a reported ₦30 billion intervention fund, two years after the devastating incident that claimed lives and destroyed properties in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The renewed 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.

Speaking at the service, Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) President, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, urged residents to remain calm while drawing attention to families who, according to him, are yet to receive any form of 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 constraints disclosed during committee deliberations.

“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 stated.

However, Bamgbose noted that recent reports suggesting the availability of funds had raised renewed expectations among victims and residents.

“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.

He added that the emotional and psychological impact of the explosion continues 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,” Bamgbose lamented.

Appealing to both residents and government authorities, he urged restraint and renewed focus on victim welfare.

“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,” he said.

Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr. Demola Omotoso, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting victims of the explosion.

“The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen,” Omotoso said.

He added that despite the tragedy, there were reasons for gratitude.

“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 stated.

Abiodun Ogunrinde, Ibadan

Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.