The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, alongside the Member representing Ibadan North Constituency II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, on Thursday visited several locations within Bodija Market affected by the devastating windstorm that accompanied a heavy rainfall and caused significant damage to lives and property.
The visit followed a tragic incident in which a powerful breeze that preceded the rainfall reportedly brought down billboard and electricity poles within the market environment, leading to the death of a female trader and leaving three other persons injured and currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
As part of efforts to obtain firsthand information and ensure a coordinated response, Hon. Olufade and Hon. Babajide Gabriel first visited the Bodija Market Police Station, where the incident had been officially reported.
The duo met with the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was unavoidably absent.
Thereafter, accompanied by market leaders and stakeholders, they visited the various scenes where the unfortunate incidents occurred and interacted with affected traders and witnesses.
Addressing the market leadership and traders during the visit, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of life and commiserated with the family of the deceased trader, the leadership of Bodija Market, and the entire trading community.
He also extended his sympathies to the victims currently receiving treatment.
The council chairman described the incident as painful, unfortunate, and heartbreaking, noting that although natural disasters often occur without warning, government has a responsibility to respond promptly, provide support to victims, and ensure accountability where necessary.
According to him, Ibadan North Local Government would not treat the matter with levity, stressing that a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“We sympathise deeply with the family of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
While natural disasters come unexpectedly, we are equally obligated to investigate what transpired and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent a recurrence,” Olufade said.
The chairman disclosed that the police and other relevant authorities have been directed to carry out a thorough investigation involving all parties connected to the incident, including the company responsible for the billboard, the electricity distribution company, and the bakery for whose operations the affected poles were reportedly erected.
He assured the market community that anyone found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate sanctions, adding that justice would be pursued without fear or favour.
Hon. Olufade further announced that the government would take responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured victims currently receiving treatment and would also reach out meaningfully to the family of the deceased trader.
He appealed to the market leadership and traders to cooperate fully with investigators and provide all necessary information that could assist in uncovering the true cause of the incident.
In his remarks, the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency II, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, also sympathised with the family of the deceased woman and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
The lawmaker assured traders and residents that the matter would receive adequate attention, emphasizing that protecting the welfare of constituents remains one of his foremost responsibilities.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a transparent investigation and promised that justice would prevail.
“This is a very painful incident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family that lost a loved one and with those currently receiving treatment.
I want to assure our people that this matter will be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate support will be provided to all those affected,” he stated.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel further assured the market community that the hospital bills of the injured victims would be taken care of, while meaningful support would also be extended to the family of the deceased.
Responding on behalf of the market community, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji S. A Jimoh, and the Chairman of the Bodija Market Foodstuffs Sellers Association, Alhaji Aro Darosa, expressed appreciation to Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade and Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel for their prompt visit and swift intervention.
The market leaders described the visit as a demonstration of responsive, compassionate, and people-oriented leadership, noting that the assurances given by both representatives had brought relief and hope to traders during a difficult period.
They subsequently urged market men and women to remain calm, peaceful, and cooperative, expressing confidence that the ongoing investigation would reveal the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
Signed,
Aderibigbe Yisahu Ajibola
Head Of Media To Ibadan North Local Government Chairman
June 11, 2026.
