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Scene from the Ibadan explosion
To mark the first anniversary of the tragic explosion on Aderinola Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan, that killed five persons, residents of Bodija Estate will tomorrow (Thursday) converge for a memorial service.
The convergence will take the form of an interdenominational service to be held at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church at 1 p.m. to honour the five lives lost and to appreciate God for the survival of the 78 individuals injured in the incident.
Pastor of the church, Dr Julius Okanlawon, will preside over the service which is expected to be attended by relatives and friends of the victims.
A statement by the Chairman of the Bodija Estate Explosion Remembrance Planning Committee, Moses Oluwatayo, read, “About a year ago, precisely on 16th January 2024, at about 1930hrs, Bodija Estate experienced an unprecedented explosion that affected lives and properties.
“It will be 365 days since the event happened, on Thursday. Five lives were lost during the event, and as a community, we wish to come together to appreciate their lives.”
Following the church service, a candlelight vigil for the dead will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Number 8 Aderinola Street, the epicentre of the explosion, to create a reflective atmosphere.
The remembrance will continue on Friday with a Jumat prayer at the Bodija Estate Islamic Centre/Mosque at 2 p.m., where Islamic clerics will offer prayers for the victims’ families, the peace of the community, and the prevention of similar tragedies.
President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, Muyiwa Bamgbose, revealed that families, friends, and public officials had been invited to the events.
He also noted the community’s anticipation of the state government’s promises to provide financial support for victims and construct a monument at the blast site to serve as a lasting reminder of the January 16, 2024, explosion.
