A powerful explosion from a quarry operation sent shockwaves of panic through several communities along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State on Tuesday night, forcing residents to flee their homes in fear.
Night of Terror: Eyewitness Accounts
The blast, originating from the Eminent Quarry site in the Oluyole Local Government Area, occurred at approximately 7:50 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2025. The force violently shook buildings in numerous neighbourhoods surrounding the quarry, which is located beside the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Government Reserved Area (GRA) and close to Aramed Hospital.
Affected communities include:
- Orisunmibare
- Ekefa and Ajayi
- Aba Elebolo, Aba Ekefa, and Aba Ajao
- Areas around Aramed Hospital
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter terror. “Our buildings shook as if an earthquake had struck,” a resident of Orisunmibare said. “Many of us ran out of our houses in fear, thinking Nigeria was under a terrorist attack.” Another resident condemned the late-evening timing of the blast in such a densely populated zone, calling it a direct threat to life that terrified children, the elderly, and hospital patients alike.
Community Outcry and Health Concerns
Community leaders have sharply criticised the operations of Eminent Quarry, stating they are fundamentally incompatible with human habitation. They allege that blasting activities continue without proper regulation, community consultation, or strict adherence to safety standards. The quarry's proximity to residential areas and a major hospital is seen as an unacceptable risk.
Medical personnel in the area voiced grave concerns about the health implications. They warned that the sudden panic could be dangerous for patients with heart conditions, hypertension, and anxiety disorders. “The fear alone can be fatal for some patients,” a local health worker stated, adding that repeated blasts could have long-term psychological and physical effects on the populace.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
In the wake of the incident, residents and community representatives have issued urgent appeals to the Oyo State Government and relevant federal agencies. They are demanding immediate intervention from:
- The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
- The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
- Emergency management authorities
Their demands include an immediate assessment of the company’s compliance with safety and environmental regulations and the suspension of all blasting activities pending a thorough inquiry. “We are not opposed to legitimate business,” a community spokesperson said, “but no company has the right to operate in a manner that turns peaceful communities into war zones. Human lives must come first.”
Residents warn that continued inaction by authorities could heighten tensions, stressing that the quarry's activities have become a source of fear rather than economic benefit. They insist the matter should not be treated as routine, urging proactive regulation to prevent a potential tragedy. As of press time, Eminent Quarry had not issued any public statement regarding the alarming incident.
