₦airaland Forum

Bodija explosion victims demand N30bn disbursement

Following Oyo State Government’s recent disclosure that N30bn released by the Federal Government as part of an intervention fund for the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains largely “untouched,” affected victims have demanded fairer and increased compensation.

The victims also urged the government to ensure that the N30bn fund is made available to all affected persons without exclusion, disparity or bureaucratic bottlenecks.

It would be recalled that the state government, following an alarm raised by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over the Federal Government’s intervention fund to the state, disclosed that the Federal Government had yet to release the outstanding N20bn balance from the N50bn approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs.

Before the N30bn disclosure, the Oyo State Government had disbursed N4.085bn as support and compensation to victims of the explosion, adding that it spent N24.6bn from its own resources on Bodija and its environment, following the disaster.

In the statement then issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government said the N30bn already released remained untouched in the state government’s infrastructure support account (number 2045199879) domiciled with FirstBank.

But speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, one of the victims, Mohammed Danesi, who resides at 6 Aderinola Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan, expressed dissatisfaction with the support fund allocation, describing the disbursement as unfair.

Danesi, whose residence is next to the explosion epicentre at 8, Aderinola Street, called for redress following the disclosure of the N30bn fund, stating that he suffered a 100 per cent loss but received only N1.4m.

Danesi said, “I received the support fund allocation of N1,435,610.62. It is pertinent to note that the impact assessment process was seemingly circumvented, despite my location being at the epicentre (ground zero) of the incident, resulting in 100 per cent loss.

“As the tenant of the building next to the epicentre, I incurred substantially greater losses compared to some landlords located outside the affected area. Some landlords outside the affected area only had their window glass broken and were paid over N20m. This disparity warrants a thorough examination and appropriate redress to ensure equitable treatment.

“I express my absolute dissatisfaction with the support fund allocation and the disbursement process, as it appears tenants received disparate treatment, implying a lack of consideration for their interests—especially me, as I lost everything, though I thank God for sparing my life. I hereby request a review of the disbursement and appropriate redress in light of recent revelations.”

Another victim, Mr John Morakinyo, who lives on Dejo Oyelese Street, demanded the immediate release of the Federal Government funds to victims, noting that some had borrowed money to rebuild their homes, while others had yet to commence reconstruction.

Morakinyo said, “What we need right now is the payment of the money given to us by the Federal Government. We borrowed money to rebuild our houses and are paying interest on the borrowed funds. Some victims of the disaster have not even started rebuilding their houses.”

Dr Coker Akinyele, whose house was destroyed by the explosion, also demanded disbursement from the untouched N30bn.

Akinyele, who formerly lived at 10, Aderinola Street, Old Bodija, said that although the support fund could not replace the loss of Fimihan, his friend’s son, who died in the incident, the victims deserved to benefit from the Federal Government fund.

“I have received support money for the house lost, but not for the life lost on my property. No, I am not satisfied with the support received. I certainly would appreciate more.

“I absolutely want the state to disburse more money to the victims from the untouched N30bn,” he said.

The Chairman of the Bodija Residents Association, Muyiwa Bamgbose, said residents were particularly demanding the inclusion of individuals earlier excluded from the compensation process on the grounds of insufficient funds.

Bamgbose said, “Our humble request is that all those items that were expunged based on the claim that there were no funds should now be reconsidered.

“Since the government itself has confirmed that it has the money, let the funds be used to support the people. We are not involved in any party fight between the APC and PDP over this matter; our concern is the plight of our people.

“We contacted our connections at the Federal Government earlier when we heard that money had been released, but nobody was willing to disclose the figure.”

He alleged that before the disbursement, the committee led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal excluded several victims due to claims of insufficient funds, including those whose houses suffered damage but were located beyond 500 metres from the epicentre.

According to him, the value of the excluded claims amounted to N288m.

“There are some people removed from the list of beneficiaries who should be returned. Some houses were excluded because they were said to be beyond 500 metres, even though it was confirmed that they were damaged.

“For example, houses from Ajibade to Coca-Cola were close to the epicentre. The total amount involved was N288,855,000. They said they were not concerned about houses outside Bodija,” Bamgbose said.

“There are 17 houses beyond 500 metres that were affected. The total number of houses captured was 335, out of which 318 were approved for payment.

“Initially, we were told that an account would be opened for us to monitor disbursement, but later we became dependent on information from the ministry.”

Bamgbose also said 27 injured victims, whose hospital bills were paid by the government, received no further support.

“There were people who were injured and traumatised. The government paid their hospital bills, but these people incurred more expenses beyond hospital treatment.

“There were 27 injured persons. We recommended N42.4m for them, but it was struck out because there was not enough money,” he said.

He added that 12 elderly and vulnerable persons affected by the explosion were also excluded from the initial N4.08bn disbursed, despite a recommendation of N30.57m.

“We were happy when we heard there might be additional funds to also support these 12 elderly and vulnerable people who were affected,” he added.

Asked about compensation for families who lost loved ones, Bamgbose said five affected families had yet to receive support due to bureaucratic hurdles, including issues related to inheritance tax.

“The five families who lost loved ones are yet to be paid. They were captured, but there were arguments about the inheritance tax. We appealed to the deputy governor to intervene, stressing that this is not an inheritance but support.

“There is a mother whose son lived in England. She was in tears. She said she warned him not to come to Nigeria. Her house was damaged, and she needs money to repair it. She cannot return to Nigeria to stay in a hotel.

“We appealed that those people should be paid so they can begin to rebuild their homes and lives,” he said.

Attempts to get the reaction of the state government failed as calls to the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, were not answered. He had also not responded to a text message as of the time of filing this report.

press9jatv:
Seyi Makinde don embezzled the funds meant for these victims. Nawaoooo

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

SadiqBabaSani:
Stop defending rubbish, why did Governor keep the money for that long without disbursement

DMCY:
I see one mumu up there still trying to blame the presido for the money disbursed, lol.

Why didn’t the governor tell his people he was given MONEY in the first instance or why the lies?

What did he do with the 30b?

But if not for been selfish and greediness, you were given 30b solely for this PEOPLE o and you released only 4.5b

Gomina ooooooooo, eku ise o😂

Kukutente23:
You're zombiecally typing out of ignorance
The governor has fully explained satisfactorily to all sane Nigerians. Go and read and get properly informed
The 4.5bn was spent from the state coffers long before the 30bn was sent a whole 11 months after the incident
Zombies sef

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

DMCY:
Lmao, why did he deny the existence of the money before? 🤡

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

SadiqBabaSani:
Stop defending rubbish, why did Governor keep the money for that long without disbursement

press9jatv:
Seyi Makinde don embezzled the funds meant for these victims. Nawaoooo

wunmi590:
Why should your buffon fed government promise 50billion and send 30billion, just because the government there is not led by APC and they are not supporting his ineptitude government

wunmi590:
Why should your buffon fed government promise 50billion and send 30billion, just because the government there is not led by APC and they are not supporting his ineptitude government

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

Ofunaofu:
The money wasn’t kept, it was preserved.

What was actually withheld is N20bn by the Tinubu government. Address that, or admit your bias.

Ofunaofu:
The money wasn’t kept, it was preserved.

What was actually withheld is N20bn by the Tinubu government. Address that, or admit your bias.

Ofunaofu:
The Oyo State Government has since responded by informing Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State and the Bodija explosion victims that the N30 billion is intact.

Rather, Nigerians should question the motive of the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promising N50 billion but releasing only N30 billion while withholding N20 billion.

bewla:
Only Tinubu una they see

press9jatv:
Seyi Makinde don embezzled the funds meant for these victims. Nawaoooo

reddingtonblack:
Then proof if it ...since you lack compression, all the victims they interviewed the problem is not they were not compensated the issue is it is not enough ..


Now when oyo state compensated them n they felt it was unfair why did they not voice out then ... as human they hear 30bn everybody don carry knife they divide the money 500m suppose reach me

There is more to that 30bn Seyi got from Tinubu .. they just use Bodija incident drag out that money nii ...
weytin spoil for bodija to warrant 30bn we know wassup Tinubu use am compensate seyi for election