BERA Seeks Renewed Compensation At Bodija Explosion Second Anniversary
•••As Oyo Govt Pledges Sustained Support
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – TWO years after the devastating Bodija explosion that claimed several lives and left lasting scars on the Bodija community in Ibadan, residents have renewed calls for compensation, justice and sustained intervention, as many victims continue to grapple with grief, unfinished rebuilding projects and financial hardship.
These concerns were raised on Friday during an interdenominational remembrance service held at All Souls Church, Old Bodija, to mark the second anniversary of the incident.
The remembrance service was organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), and was attended by residents, community leaders, religious leaders and representatives of the Oyo State Government.
Speaking at the event, President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, appealed to residents to remain calm while stressing the urgent need for renewed support for families still affected by the tragedy.
According to him, despite the passage of two years, some families who lost loved ones were yet to receive any form of assistance, while others had been unable to complete rebuilding their homes due to lack of funds.
“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 could not finish because they do not have access to funds,” Bamgbose said.
He urged residents to avoid rancour, explaining that financial constraints had affected earlier decisions on compensation and intervention.
“I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous but have assurance. When we reviewed issues at committee meetings, the information available then showed there was not enough money, so figures were cut and some things removed,” he said.
Bamgbose, however, noted that reports now indicate the availability of funds and called on all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of the victims.
“We now hear that there are funds available. What happened to these people was not by their own doing or volition. They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. We should do everything possible to assuage their feelings,” he added.
He acknowledged that the trauma of the explosion could not be completely erased, but stressed the need to prevent prolonged sorrow among affected families.
“The scar will always be there, but it should not continue to cause sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is,” Bamgbose said.
He appealed to the government to ensure that available funds were directed towards victims rather than diverted entirely to infrastructure projects.
“We are appealing to the people to remain calm and to the government that now that funds are available, they should be used to support those who are hurting,” 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 the Bodija community and victims of the explosion.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and unplanned, Omotoso said the government responded promptly after the explosion by providing emergency relief, ensuring security and accommodating displaced residents.
“As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured and people were accommodated over a period of time. Many measures were put in place to alleviate the pain and suffering,” he said.
He added that government intervention had continued beyond the immediate aftermath, stressing that empathy for victims remained a priority.
“Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones,” Omotoso said.
According to him, the government acted out of responsibility from the onset, even before funding sources were identified.
“From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government came to the aid of the people without even knowing where the funds would come from. This is an ongoing process,” he stated.
Omotoso cited ongoing reconstruction of roads and infrastructure as evidence of the government’s commitment, noting that further interventions were still being planned.
“We are not playing politics with the lives of the people. This is a responsive government, and we will continue to do more until we see smiles on the faces of the people,” he said.
The remembrance service ended with prayers for those who lost their lives in the explosion, as well as prayers for healing, comfort and restoration within the Bodija community.