File photo : unrelated photo of an explosion
By Deborah Nnamdi
Several people were killed on Friday night when a gas explosion tore through the Bioku-Alaadun area of Ibadan, in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The blast occurred as a tanker was discharging gas into a retail outlet. Among the casualties were the shop owner and others who were nearby when the explosion happened.
General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident, saying emergency responders were already on the ground working to contain the situation. He noted that while fatalities were recorded, full casualty details were still being compiled.
“The emergency call was reported at exactly 19:40 on Friday, November 21, 2025, through a telephone call from Pastor Oyebamiji regarding a gas tanker explosion at the above address,” Akinyinka said.
He added that personnel led by CFS Adedeji (Mrs.) were immediately deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found that a gas tanker with registration number LSR268YC, loaded with 15 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), had exploded while transferring its contents into a gas skid tank.
The blast damaged two commercial buildings and one residential building, while three persons were rescued and handed over to police officers from the Akanran Division. Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command, also joined in the operation.
Akinyinka said the swift response of officers helped prevent further devastation, despite the panic caused among residents.
He urged the public to always observe safety procedures when handling petroleum products, stressing the need to obtain approvals from the Fire Service, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and other relevant agencies before installing gas tanks or cylinders.
He assured the community that all necessary fire safety measures had been taken and said an investigation team would be dispatched to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent a recurrence.
“Let our people continue with their daily activities without fear. The presence of the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo, was highly appreciated,” he added.
