BODIJA explosion 2nd anniversary: Affected residents appeal for renewed compensation.
Affected residents of the 2024 Bodija explosion have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider and provide adequate compensations for victims of the explosion as the initial compensation was meagre.
They made the appeal at an interdenominational service held at the All Soul’s church Bodija in memorial of the 2nd year remembrance of the explosion.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, appealed for calm among residents, while stressing the urgent need for adequate support for families still affected by the tragedy.
“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 added.
“However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our attitude, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition.”
“They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings,” he said.
He urged residents not to be agitated or rancorous, but to remain patient and assured, explaining that financial constraints had affected earlier decisions on compensation and support.
Also speaking at the service, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotoso, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Bodija community and all victims of the explosion.
Responding to criticisms, Omotoso said the government remained focused on its responsibilities and was not distracted by public commentary.
“We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people,” he said.
He pledged that government intervention would not end with current efforts, noting, “The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people.”
The second anniversary remembrance was organised by the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) in collaboration with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), and was attended by residents, community leaders, religious figures and representatives of the Oyo State Government.
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