A late-night gas explosion in the Biodun Alaadun area of Ona Ara Local Government, Ibadan, left three people dead on Friday, November 21, 2025, after a tanker discharging gas into a retail outlet went up in flames.
Preliminary findings revealed that the blast happened while the tanker was offloading LPG into an illegal 2.5MT skid located in a densely populated neighbourhood, leading to widespread destruction of homes, shops, and a nearby church.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and consoled the affected families.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic gas explosion that occurred on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. My heartfelt condolences go to the Government and people of Oyo State, especially the families who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries,” he said.
Ekpo described the incident as needless and entirely preventable, warning that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate the activities of illegal gas retailers.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to endanger lives by operating illegal gas facilities or engaging in unsafe practices,” he added.
The minister noted that while cooking gas is generally safe, explosions often result from human negligence, substandard equipment, and failure to secure operational licences.
“Gas is safe when handled responsibly. It is negligence, the use of substandard equipment, and unlawful operations that lead to tragedies such as this,” Ekpo stressed.
Ekpo confirmed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has commenced a full investigation into the blast.
He urged residents and eyewitnesses to support investigators to ensure that the root cause is established and future incidents are prevented.
“Let me be clear: illegal operators must immediately vacate the sector. The Federal Government will not hesitate to shut down unsafe sites, prosecute offenders, and enforce all safety regulations to protect lives, property, and public confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector,” he warned.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to intensify enforcement across the downstream gas sector to prevent further loss of lives.
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