Victims of Ibadan explosion recall ordeals, UCH scales up emergency response

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Some of the victims affected by Tuesday’s tragic explosion that occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan have recalled their ordeals, describing it as surreal and traumatic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the explosion occured at 7.30p.m. at Dejo Oyelese Street in Old Bodija in Ibadan with yet to be ascertained number of deaths and over 77 people injured.

Some of the victims expressed their experiences in separate interviews with the NAN on Wednesday at the Emergency Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Idowu Fagbemi, 15, said that the incident was still to him as though a dream.

Fagbemi, who could barely speak due to the shock, said he ran out of the house immediately he heard the sound of the explosion.

“I was in the house when we heard something like a bomb blast, so I started running and later found myself in the hospital this morning,” he said.

His mother, Mrs Fagbemi, said that her son sustained a injury on the head in the process of running for his life.

The upset mother said that her husband, who was also in the house with their son at the time of the explosion, was yet to be found.

“We thank God for Idowu’s life while we trust Him to also allow us to see his father alive,” she said.

Another woman, who simply gave her first name as Florence, said her mother was a victim and was presently receiving treatment at the emergency unit.

“I don’t just have the strength to talk now because we have been at the emergency unit since yesterday night.

“Our mummy is still alive and we pray that God heals her speedily,” she said.

Another relation at the hospital, who didn’t give his name, said he was frustrated as his brother, who was in the house where the explosion occurred, was yet to be found.

“I don’t just know what to do now because we don’t even know whether he is alive or dead,” he said.

Meanwhile, UCH, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmi Adetuyibi,  said all medical personnel have been placed on alert to provide healthcare support for victims of the explosion.

Adetuyibi said that the hospital has mobilised its resources to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the victims of the unfortunate incident.

According to her, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, has called for a galvanised coordination of its personnel, made up of doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, student doctors and nurses, clinical and non-clinical staff.

“A trauma response team has been activated to implement comprehensive measures to ensure that every patient receives prompt and compassionate care.

“Medical staff, including trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians, nurses, and other personnel have been working around the clock to stabilise and treat the injured.

“As part of its commitment to transparency, the University College Hospital is continuously communicating with relevant authorities and providing regular updates to the public.

“The hospital remains focused on delivering high-quality medical care to those affected by this tragic event,” Adetuyibi said.

Meanwhile, of the 12 victims received by the hospital, the statement says one was brought in dead.

“Unfortunately, too, the hospital had a lot of its facilities damaged by the effects of the blast.

“The affected facilities include the Medical Museum, School of Nursing, Molecular Laboratory, Bulk Store, Ogunlesi Hall, and Hospital Clinics, among others, she said. (NAN)