Story of the Ikeja Bomb Blast — January 27, 2002
On a day like this, 27 January 2002, a devastating explosion rocked the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, changing Nigeria forever.
What started as a fire outbreak inside the military armory triggered a series of massive explosions, throwing the city into chaos and fear. Many residents thought Nigeria was under attack or that a coup was underway.
The blast was heard and felt up to 30 miles away. Tremors collapsed homes and shattered windows as far as 10 miles from the epicenter.
According to the Red Cross, at least 1,000 bodies were recovered, while many others were reported missing and never found.
Over 5,000 people were injured, and more than 12,000 residents were left homeless, with entire neighborhoods destroyed.
In panic, about 20,000 people fled Lagos on the night of the explosion. Survivors gradually returned over the following week to scenes of loss and devastation.
Military reports later stated that the disaster was caused by a bomb that detonated inside the armory, setting off other stored explosives.
In a moment that remains unforgettable, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the Ikeja Cantonment barefoot, addressing victims and assessing the damage firsthand.
The Ikeja Bomb Blast remains one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in Nigerian history.
Read. Remember. Retweet to educate someone.
#IkejaBombBlast
#January27
#NeverForget
#NigerianHistory
#Lagos
#NigeriaStories
If you want, I can also make it short
Story of the Ikeja Bomb Blast — January 27, 2002
On a day like this, 27 January 2002, a devastating explosion rocked the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, changing Nigeria forever.
What started as a fire outbreak inside the military armory triggered a series of massive explosions, throwing the city into chaos and fear. Many residents thought Nigeria was under attack or that a coup was underway.
The blast was heard and felt up to 30 miles away. Tremors collapsed homes and shattered windows as far as 10 miles from the epicenter.
According to the Red Cross, at least 1,000 bodies were recovered, while many others were reported missing and never found.
Over 5,000 people were injured, and more than 12,000 residents were left homeless, with entire neighborhoods destroyed.
In panic, about 20,000 people fled Lagos on the night of the explosion. Survivors gradually returned over the following week to scenes of loss and devastation.
Military reports later stated that the disaster was caused by a bomb that detonated inside the armory, setting off other stored explosives.
In a moment that remains unforgettable, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the Ikeja Cantonment barefoot, addressing victims and assessing the damage firsthand.
The Ikeja Bomb Blast remains one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in Nigerian history.
Read. Remember. Retweet to educate someone.
#IkejaBombBlast
#January27
#NeverForget
#NigerianHistory
#Lagos
#NigeriaStories
If you want, I can also make it short