The governor of Nigeria reported on Wednesday that a large explosion occurred at a private property in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, where explosives were being stored, resulting in at least two fatalities and 77 injuries.
Residents of the third-most populous city in Nigeria were alarmed by the blast, which caused numerous houses to collapse. Seven suburbs are currently undergoing rescue and recovery operations.
The governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed in a statement that two people had died and that 77 individuals had received medical attention for injuries, the majority of whom were released, according to the BBC.
“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast,” Makinde said.
The explosion was audible in Ibadan, the state capital, which is located 130 kilometers (80 miles) away from Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria.
Makinde announced that search and rescue efforts were in progress and that individuals who had lost their homes would receive temporary housing from the state administration.
Although the exact origin of the explosion is still unknown, the officials believe that mining explosives kept in a residence may have set it off.
Images and videos show cars obliterated by shells and structures reduced to almost nothing.
The police have pledged to look into the explosion as soon as possible.
