A loud explosion near a commercial bank in Owo, Ondo State, caused panic on Saturday as residents, traders, and motorists fled the area in fear. The sudden blast, which occurred close to the busy banking district, triggered confusion and a brief stampede as people abandoned shops, vehicles, and market stalls.
Witnesses said the blast was followed by light smoke rising from the scene, further heightening the sense of danger. Within minutes, the area was deserted as people sought safety, fearing that the explosion might be linked to terrorist activity.
The tension was understandable, as the incident came less than two weeks after the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a security alert warning of possible coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP operatives in parts of Ondo and Kogi states. The DSS alert had urged residents to be vigilant, warning that public places—including banks, churches, and markets—could be targeted.
Because of this, many Owo residents initially assumed the blast was part of a terror attack, leading to widespread panic before security operatives arrived.
The Ondo State Police Command moved quickly to calm the situation. Speaking to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said officers who arrived at the scene discovered that the explosion had been caused by a high-powered firecracker—popularly called a “banger.”
He stressed that the blast had no connection to terrorism or organised attacks. “The disturbance was caused by a banger bought from a shop close to the scene. We have arrested one Ayoola Daniel Ojumu, who has admitted his involvement,” Ayanlade explained. He said the suspect confessed to purchasing the firecracker from a nearby shop before the explosion occurred.
Police also announced that a second person, believed to have actually ignited the firecracker, fled the scene and is now being pursued by detectives. The command assured the public that the individual would be apprehended and made to face the law.
Ondo State, particularly Owo, has in recent years experienced incidents linked to insecurity. The town was the site of the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, during which dozens of worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP terrorists. The tragedy left a deep scar on the community and made residents more sensitive to any noise or activity that resembles violence.
In addition, the DSS alert issued earlier this month renewed fears by warning that extremist groups were planning coordinated attacks targeting public spaces. Security agencies in Ondo have since increased their surveillance, especially in urban centres like Akure and Owo.
This atmosphere of tension meant that even a loud firecracker was enough to cause panic, as many residents remain traumatised by past attacks.
According to the police, the arrested suspect, Ayoola Daniel Ojumu, will be charged to court once investigations are completed. The police say his actions caused public disorder and could have led to injuries or deaths during the stampede.
Ayanlade warned that the police would not take such acts lightly, especially at a time when the state is on high alert. “Anyone caught compromising public safety will be decisively dealt with,” he said.
He added that the police were committed to tracing the second suspect who allegedly set off the explosive device.
With the Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, the police used the opportunity to caution parents and guardians against allowing children to use firecrackers or any explosive devices. These items, although popular during festive periods, can cause injury, fires, or panic in public places, especially in areas that have recently witnessed serious security incidents.
He encouraged people to save emergency security lines and call for help whenever they perceive danger, instead of spreading rumours or false messages on social media. The police say misinformation often leads to unnecessary panic and makes it more difficult for security agencies to do their work.
Many Owo residents who witnessed the panic said the loud blast brought back frightening memories of past attacks. Shop owners near the bank said they thought “terrorists were attacking again,” while some commuters left their vehicles on the road as they ran for safety.
Although the situation was brought under control quickly, Saturday’s incident shows that the psychological impact of insecurity remains strong in many parts of the state.
