The number of those who died in Tuesday’s explosion which occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has increased to five.

Prof. Temitope Alonge, who heads the Emergency Operations Centre for the evacuation and rescue of the explosion’s victims, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Alonge said two corpses were recovered from the rumbles between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

He said this was in addition to the three recovered between Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon.

Alonge however assured that rescue operations were still on as directed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to ensure that everyone was accounted for.

READ ALSO: Makinde: 3 corpses recovered from Ibadan explosion

“The state government will continue to monitor and respond to the situation, as investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing,” he said.

Governor Makinde had on Tuesday and later on Wednesday urged residents of Oyo State to remain calm over the incident.

He enjoined the residents staying in any of the houses within 250 metres from the scene of the explosion to move out to accommodation provided by the government.

“This is until we check the structural integrity of the buildings,” the governor had said.

He equally warned hoodlums who may want to take advantage of the incident to carry out any form of looting to desist.

Governor Makinde further stated that all those involved directly or indirectly in bringing the tragedy upon the state would be brought to book.

The Star