N30bn intervention fund: Ibadan explosion victims cry out for financial support

Makinde

Two years after the devastating Bodija explosion that claimed lives and destroyed homes in Ibadan, victims and their families have renewed calls for compensation and sustained government support, amid controversy surrounding a reported N30bn intervention fund.

The appeals were made on Saturday during an interdenominational remembrance service held at All Souls Church, Old Bodija, to mark the second anniversary of the tragedy.

Vanguard Newspaper reports that the event was organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and drew residents, community and religious leaders, as well as representatives of the Oyo State Government.

Speaking at the service, BERA President, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, urged calm among residents while drawing attention to families who remain without assistance.

“I have to appeal to our people. 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 have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds,” Bamgbose said.

He explained that earlier compensation decisions were influenced by financial limitations revealed during committee deliberations.

“I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact,” he said. Punch