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…. Locals call for immediate closure of the quarry location

A sense of fear took hold of the residents along theLagos–Ibadan Expresswayin the Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State, yesterday following a strong explosion at Eminent Quarry, situated next to Rashidi Ladoja GRA, caused tremors in residences and establishments.

The blast, which took place approximately at 7:50 pm, made structures tremble intensely and triggered mass fear, as people worried for their safety and called for urgent response from officials.

Affected communities are Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, the areas near Aramed Hospital, Aba Elebolo, Aba Ekefa, Aba Ajao, and various businesses located close to the quarry.

Witnesses described how the unexpected explosion caused widespread confusion, as locals rushed into the streets out of terror.

“The structures trembled as though an earthquake had occurred. Several of us fled our homes in fear, believing that Nigeria was experiencing a terrorist attack,” said a resident from the Orisunmibare community.

A different inhabitant expressed disapproval of the explosion’s timing, which took place late at night in a heavily populated neighborhood.

“This goes beyond noise pollution; it poses a direct danger to human life. Children, the elderly, and patients at Aramed Hospital—everyone was in fear,” they added.

Local leaders, nevertheless, characterized the quarry’s activities as entirely unsuitable for residential areas, claiming that the company has kept carrying out blasting operations without appropriate oversight, engagement with the community, or compliance with safety protocols.

Healthcare workers in the region also voiced worries about health issues caused by panic, especially for individuals with heart problems, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders.

Local residents and community officials are urging the Oyo State government, regulatory bodies, and security agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and emergency management authorities to immediately examine the activities of Eminent Quarry, check adherence to safety and environmental regulations, and halt any additional blasting until a comprehensive investigation takes place.

A community representative stated, ‘We are not against lawful businesses,’ but emphasized that no corporation should be allowed to function in a way that transforms peaceful neighborhoods into battlegrounds.

Residents have been advised that ongoing silence or inaction from officials may heighten tensions, highlighting that their request is straightforward — safety, accountability, and respect for human lives.

At the time of publication, Eminent Quarry had not released a public comment about the incident, as local communities maintained that the issue should not be considered ordinary and are calling on the Oyo State Government and appropriate federal authorities to take firm action to avoid what they worry might turn into a severe and preventable catastrophe.

They mentioned that the quarry, situated next to Aramed Hospital on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, has been conducting extensively uncontrolled blasting operations.

“The most recent night attack triggered extensive fear, with locals worrying about a conflict scenario, underscoring critical worries regarding security, control, and the health of nearby areas,” the residents mentioned.