Fear and panic gripped residents along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday night after a powerful explosion from Eminent Quarry, located beside Rashidi Ladoja GRA, sent shockwaves through surrounding communities.
The blast, which occurred at about 7:50pm, reportedly caused buildings to shake violently, forcing residents out of their homes in fear. Affected areas include Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, communities around Aramed Hospital, Aba Elebolo, Aba Ekefa, Aba Ajao, as well as several corporate establishments close to the quarry site.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden explosion threw the entire area into chaos.
“Our buildings shook as if an earthquake had struck. Many of us ran out of our houses in fear, thinking Nigeria was under a terrorist attack,” a resident of Orisunmibare community said.
Another resident criticised the timing of the blast, noting that it occurred late in the evening in a densely populated area.
“This is not just noise pollution; it is a direct threat to human life. Children, the elderly, and patients at Aramed Hospital—everyone was terrified,” the resident added.
Community leaders described the quarry’s operations as incompatible with human habitation, alleging that blasting activities have continued without adequate regulation, community engagement or strict adherence to safety standards.
Medical personnel in the area also expressed concern over the potential health implications of the incident, warning that the panic could trigger serious complications for patients with heart conditions, hypertension and anxiety-related disorders.
Residents and community leaders are now calling on the Oyo State Government, 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 urgently investigate Eminent Quarry’s operations. They are also demanding a suspension of further blasting pending a comprehensive safety and environmental assessment.
“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.
The residents warned that continued inaction by authorities could escalate tensions, stressing that their demands centre on safety, accountability and respect for human lives.
As of press time, Eminent Quarry had yet to issue a public statement on the incident. Community members insist the matter should not be treated as routine, urging the Oyo State Government and relevant federal agencies to act swiftly to prevent what they fear could become a tragic and avoidable disaster.
They further alleged that the quarry, located beside Aramed Hospital along the expressway, has been carrying out highly unregulated blasting activities, with the latest explosion heightening concerns over safety, regulation and the wellbeing of neighbouring communities.
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