By Charles Pemu 
Severe apprehension gripped residents along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State following a powerful blast from Eminent Quarry that sent violent shockwaves through residential homes and businesses. The explosion occurred at approximately 7:50 pm on Tuesday, triggering a series of tremors that caused buildings to shake and sparked widespread fear among thousands of inhabitants who initially mistook the event for a coordinated terrorist attack or a significant earthquake.
The impact of the blast was felt acutely across several communities, including Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, and the densely populated areas surrounding Aramed Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of total chaos as families fled into the streets in the dark, seeking safety from potential structural collapses. Residents expressed deep frustration over the timing of the detonation, noting that a high-intensity industrial explosion in the late evening in a residential zone is a direct threat to public safety and human life.
Community leaders have stepped forward to describe the quarry’s operations as wholly incompatible with human habitation. They allege that Eminent Quarry has consistently ignored safety standards and conducted blasting activities without the necessary regulatory oversight or community consultation. The proximity of the site to Aramed Hospital has specifically alarmed medical personnel, who warned that panic-induced health complications are a looming threat for patients already struggling with hypertension, heart conditions, or anxiety disorders.
The lack of adherence to environmental laws has turned a once-peaceful corridor into what locals describe as a perpetual war zone. Beyond the immediate structural damage to walls and foundations, the psychological toll on children and the elderly is becoming a major point of contention for those living in the shadow of the quarry. Leaders argued that while they respect the right to legitimate commerce, the current unregulated state of the facility’s operations shows a total lack of respect for the surrounding human ecosystem.
Demands for Urgent Regulatory Intervention
In a collective move toward accountability, residents are calling upon the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals to launch an immediate investigation. The community’s demands are clear: a total suspension of further blasting activities until a thorough inquiry is conducted into Eminent Quarry’s compliance with environmental and safety laws. They urged law enforcement and emergency management agencies to assess the site’s current operational permits to determine if they meet the criteria for proximity to a major expressway and a healthcare facility.
As of the time of publication, Eminent Quarry has not issued a formal statement to address the panic or the claims of unregulated activities. Local stakeholders emphasized that the matter cannot be treated as a routine industrial event and have called upon the Oyo State Government to act decisively. The fear remains that continued silence or inaction from the authorities will eventually lead to a tragic and avoidable disaster, as tensions between the corporate entity and the displaced, terrified public continue to escalate.