The Oyo State Government has approved N4.5bn as financial support and the building of a monument in honour of the victims of the Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024.

The decision was reached at the State Executive Council meeting held Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier, on December 24, 2024, inaugurated a 10-member committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, to manage and oversee the disbursement of relief funds to those affected by the explosion.

The tragic incident, caused by a water gel-type explosive triggered by an electric spark at House No. 8, Aderinola Street—rented by Malian national Mahmoud Camara, who was involved in mining—claimed the lives of at least five people.

It also left 78 injured and affected 335 individuals. A total of 58 buildings were damaged, including 16 businesses, several churches, mosques, three schools, and parts of the University College Hospital.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the N4.5bn is in addition to over N200m already spent by the government on emergency accommodation, medical treatment, feeding, and security in the wake of the explosion.

The council also approved the committee’s recommendation to revoke the titles of two properties near Adeyi Avenue—the site of the explosion—for public safety.

A monument will be constructed on the revoked land to honour the memory of those who lost their lives.

The council condemned what it described as “disinformation, half-truths and mischievous lies” allegedly spread by individuals claiming to represent residents, regarding the government’s response to the tragedy.

It stated that such narratives were unfair and would not deter the administration from taking deliberate and just actions in the public interest.

Oyelade noted that some intended beneficiaries were involved in family disputes that required careful resolution by the committee, which contributed to delays.

The government also announced that adjoining properties deemed structurally sound by government-contracted engineers would be returned to their original owners for reconstruction.

Furthermore, Oyelade stated that the Ministry of Justice would ensure the effective prosecution of suspects already arraigned in court, while efforts continue to apprehend others still at large.

The government’s announcement came just hours after victims of the explosion issued a statement expressing frustration over the delay in disbursing funds.

They noted that it had been 11 weeks since the committee submitted its report to the governor.

In the statement, titled “Bodija Community Still in Ashes: A Response to Oyo State Government,” the President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, Muyiwa Bamgbose, and Chairman of the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Iyiola Oladokun, appealed to Governor Makinde to fulfill his promises.

“Today, 473 days later, Bodija remains in ashes,” the statement read. “The community continues to mourn, to rebuild, and to plead—largely without governmental empathy or intervention.

“This is a community of retired civil servants, senior professionals, and elderly citizens who have dedicated their lives to Nigeria’s development. Many now live without homes, their dignity eroded, and have been unfairly portrayed as ungrateful by officials who seem to prioritize infrastructure over people.”

While acknowledging the state’s initial efforts in providing temporary accommodation and medical aid, the residents urged the governor to act with urgency.

“The lives lost cannot be replaced, but those left behind can still be rebuilt with compassion, courage, and justice. We appeal once more to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, to honour his promise and take decisive action. Bodija must not be forgotten. Bodija deserves healing. This is our plea,” they stated.