Residents along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State, were thrown into panic yesterday evening following a powerful blast from Eminent Quarry, located beside Rashidi Ladoja GRA.
The explosion, which occurred around 7:50 pm, sent shockwaves through homes and businesses, causing buildings to shake violently and sparking widespread fear.
Communities most affected include Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, areas surrounding Aramed Hospital, Aba Elebolo, Aba Ekefa, Aba Ajao, and several corporate establishments near the quarry site. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with residents running into the streets in fear.
“Our buildings shook as if an earthquake had struck. Many of us ran out of our houses thinking Nigeria was under attack,” said a resident of Orisunmibare community. Another resident criticized the timing of the blast, which occurred late in the evening in a densely populated area. “Children, the elderly, and patients at Aramed Hospital—everyone was terrified,” they added.
Community leaders condemned the quarry’s operations as incompatible with human habitation, alleging that blasting activities have continued without proper regulation, consultation, or adherence to safety standards.
Medical personnel also raised concerns over panic-induced health complications, particularly among patients with heart conditions, hypertension, and anxiety disorders.
Residents and community leaders are urging the Oyo State Government, as well as regulatory and security agencies including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and emergency management authorities, to investigate Eminent Quarry’s operations, assess compliance with safety and environmental laws, and suspend further blasting until a thorough inquiry is conducted.
“We are not opposed to legitimate business, but no company has the right to operate in a manner that turns peaceful communities into war zones,” a community spokesperson said.
As of press time, Eminent Quarry had not issued a statement regarding the incident. Residents warned that continued inaction could escalate tensions, emphasizing their demand for safety, accountability, and respect for human lives.
