Residents of Bodija Estate in Ibadan will gather on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the tragic explosion on Aderinola Street that claimed five lives and injured 78 others.
The remembrance will begin with an interdenominational service at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church at 1 p.m. to honour the deceased and express gratitude for the survival of those injured in the incident.
According to the pastor of the church, Dr. Julius Okanlawon, the service will bring together relatives, friends, and members of the community to reflect on the tragedy and celebrate the resilience of the survivors.
A statement by the Chairman of the Bodija Estate Explosion Remembrance Planning Committee, Moses Oluwatayo, highlighted the significance of the day.
“On January 16, 2024, at about 7:30 p.m., our community was shaken by an unprecedented explosion that claimed five lives and destroyed properties. As we mark 365 days since that tragic event, we come together to honour those we lost and appreciate their lives,” he said.
The day’s activities will conclude with a candlelight vigil at 7:30 p.m. at the explosion site, Number 8 Aderinola Street, to provide a solemn space for reflection and tribute.
The remembrance will extend into Friday with a Jumat prayer session at 2 p.m. at the Bodija Estate Islamic Centre. Islamic clerics are expected to lead prayers for the victims’ families, the peace of the community, and the prevention of future tragedies.
Muyiwa Bamgbose, President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering community unity.
“This is a time for us to come together as one, to remember the lives lost and to pray for continued peace in our community. Families, friends, and public officials have been invited to join us,” he said.
Bamgbose also reiterated the community’s hope for the fulfillment of promises made by the state government, including financial assistance for victims and the construction of a monument at the blast site.
