Ibadan In Sh*ck: Three Killed In Explosion, Federal Government Reacts

A late-night gas explosion in the Biodun Alaadun area of Ona Ara Local Government, Ibadan, claimed three lives on Friday, November 21, 2025, after a tanker discharging LPG into a retail outlet caught fire.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Preliminary reports indicate that the blast occurred while the tanker was offloading gas into an illegal 2.5MT skid in a densely populated neighbourhood, causing extensive damage to nearby homes, shops, and a church.

Reacting to the incident, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic gas explosion that occurred on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. My heartfelt condolences go to the Government and people of Oyo State, especially those who lost loved ones or sustained injuries,” Ekpo said.

He described the explosion as entirely preventable and warned that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate illegal gas retail operations.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to endanger lives by operating illegal gas facilities or engaging in unsafe practices,” he added.

Ekpo emphasized that cooking gas is generally safe, but explosions typically result from human error, substandard equipment, or unlicensed operations.

“Gas is safe when handled responsibly. Negligence, poor-quality equipment, and unlawful operations are what lead to tragedies like this,” he stressed.

The minister confirmed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has launched a full investigation into the incident.

He urged residents and witnesses to cooperate with authorities to help identify the cause and prevent future occurrences.

“Let me be clear: illegal operators must immediately exit the sector. The Federal Government will not hesitate to shut down unsafe sites, prosecute offenders, and enforce all safety regulations to protect lives, property, and public confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector,” he warned.

Ekpo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strict enforcement across the downstream gas sector to prevent further loss of life.