Residents along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State, were thrown into fear on Tuesday evening following a powerful explosion at Eminent Quarry that reverberated through homes and businesses.
The blast, which occurred around 7:50 pm, sent buildings shaking violently and sparked widespread panic, with locals fearing for their safety and urging authorities to take immediate action.
Communities affected include Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, areas around Aramed Hospital, and several corporate establishments close to the quarry site.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden detonation plunged the area into chaos, forcing residents to flee their homes in terror.
“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,” said a resident of the Orisunmibare community.
Another local resident criticised the timing of the blast, noting its late-evening occurrence 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,” they added.
Community leaders described the quarry’s operations as incompatible with human habitation, alleging that blasting activities have continued without proper regulation, community consultation, or adherence to safety standards.
Medical personnel in the area also raised alarms over panic-induced health complications, particularly for patients with heart conditions, hypertension, or anxiety disorders.
Residents and community leaders are calling on regulatory and security agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, emergency management bodies, and law enforcement, to urgently investigate Eminent Quarry’s activities, assess compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and suspend further blasting until a thorough inquiry is completed.
“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.”
They warned that continued silence or inaction by authorities could escalate tensions, emphasising their simple demand for safety, accountability, and respect for human lives.
As of press time, Eminent Quarry had not released any public statement regarding the incident. Residents stressed that the situation should not be treated as routine and urged the Oyo State Government and relevant federal agencies to intervene decisively to avert what they fear could be a tragic, avoidable disaster.
“The latest evening blast caused widespread panic, with residents fearing a warlike situation, highlighting urgent concerns over safety, regulation, and the wellbeing of neighbouring communities,” they said, noting that the quarry, located beside Aramed Hospital along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, has been conducting highly unregulated blasting operations.
