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Ibadan Explosion: Nine People Still Missing – Bodija Residents
Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Oyo State, has raised an alarm that no more than nine (9) residents of the area have been missing since last week.
The association made this declaration on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that five people died, 77 sustained varying degrees of injuries and 58 houses were damaged during the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese Street while Governor Seyi Makinde, last weekend presented a preliminary report on the explosion to President Bola Tinubu.
However the President of BERA, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, while speaking with journalists, raised the alarm on the sideline of face-to-face consultative forum, organized by Bodija residents.
He said, “It is now eight or nine people that have been missing. We have brought the map of the street, and we are trying to account for house by house, that’s how we can actually get accurate figure. If a person was seen yesterday and you can’t find him today, then you know you need to get worried.”
He said the declaration was based on their findings while collecting the data of the residents and number of the affected houses.
On the medical treatment received at different hospitals, he said, “A lot of people paid for their medicals. Those people could afford it. So, many people didn’t even go to designated hospitals, they just went somewhere to treat themselves. I must also confess that some of the hospitals were treating people initially without even recording, there are so many people, they were just giving them first aids.
“The hospitals contributed, they treated people without asking for money and then some people that could afford such took themselves somewhere, maybe private hospitals.
“In terms of hotels, there are some people whose their families paid in the hotels and asked them just go there and check yourself in, because there isn’t proper organization. If you are a decent person and they tell you that the government is going to pay for your accommodation. Our fear is that even government may get end up been short changed, how do you know who stay where? Yes, it was a chaotic situation but again there should be some kind of order and process, so that’s why some people will not wait for anybody, they just take care of themselves if they can afford it. A lot of people have taken care of themselves.
“Well, this is a first time that we will record this kind of incident in Oyo State, we never had anything like this before and I must first and foremost appreciate the spirit of the government. The government is definitely concerned, there is a difference between the will and ability but if you are willing then ability can come in later.
“The administration in the state has shown a great willingness, people have worked overnight without sleeping, even the Federal Government, you will be surprised, they have taken it so seriously, all the security apparatus, NEMA, working with the state emergency agency, everybody collaborated
‘I think we still need to learn from this experience. What are the things we didn’t do right that we can improve? God forbid, we are not praying for another one to happen, but it may not be a blast, it may be another thing, emergencies can always occur, it could be flood or whatever. So, how do we respond to emergencies?”
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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