Victims of the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked the Dejo Oyelese area of Bodija Estate, Ibadan, have lamented that they are yet to receive additional compensation despite reports that the Federal Government released N30 billion to the Oyo State Government in support of affected residents.
The affected residents, under the aegis of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), said the call for a review of compensation became necessary following revelations that N50 billion was approved by the Federal Government for the state over the incident.
The controversy surrounding the funds gained traction after a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, alleged that N50 billion had been released to support victims of the explosion.
However, the Oyo State Government clarified that only N30 billion had so far been disbursed, adding that the amount remains intact in a bank account pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion to complete the approved N50 billion intervention.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of BERA, Dr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, said residents had initially agreed to accept a downward review of their claims due to paucity of funds at the time compensation was being processed.
According to him, the association has formally written to Governor Seyi Makinde, requesting a meeting to discuss the possibility of reviewing the compensation already paid and disbursing additional funds from the N30 billion received.
Bamgbose appealed to the state government not to return the N30 billion to the Federal Government but to utilise the funds to adequately compensate residents whose property valuations were significantly reduced during the initial assessment.
He noted that the association is considering further steps to draw government attention to the plight of affected victims.
While appreciating the state government for its support so far, the BERA chairman urged authorities to positively reconsider the cases of residents who suffered heavy losses, stressing that more funds are now available to address their grievances.
The explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024, claimed five lives, left several others injured, and destroyed properties worth hundreds of millions of naira in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
