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Panic has gripped residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a loud explosion rocked the city on the evening of Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The sound of the explosion was heard in many areas of the city including University of Ibadan, Bodija, Akobo, Mokola and Secretariat.
At the time of filing this report, the cause of the explosion has not yet been ascertained.
Videos shared on Twitter showed some of the areas affected by the blast, with many houses and cars in ruins due to the impact of the explosion.
While the exact origin of the explosion has not been established, the Government of Oyo State said officials are investigating.
"Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident," the government announced.
In another tweet, the Oyo State Government assured residents that relevant agencies have been deployed to the scene of the incident to carry out search and rescue operations.
Also providing updates on the incident, the Oyo State Police Command said the explosion happened around Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area of Ibadan around 7:44 pm.
According to the police, the cause of the explosion and the number of casualties, dead or injured are not immediately known.
Many residents of the city have taken to social media to recount their experience and lament about the property damage across the city.