Fuel Tanker Explosion Razes Oluku Market in Edo, Governor Pledges Reconstruction
By Naijagossiper Official ยท
BENIN CITY, Edo State. A petrol tanker explosion has ravaged parts of Oluku Market along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, destroying shops, vehicles and goods worth millions of naira.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a petrol-laden tanker overturned near the busy market, spilling its contents onto the road and adjoining drainage channels.
According to eyewitness accounts, residents and passers-by rushed to scoop the spilled petrol despite warnings from security personnel about the dangers of approaching the fallen tanker.
The situation reportedly escalated when the spilled fuel ignited, triggering a massive fire that spread rapidly through the market and surrounding areas.
Reports on the incident indicated that several people were feared dead, including a military personnel, while others sustained severe burns. However, the exact death toll remained unclear in initial reports.
The Edo State Police Command subsequently confirmed that eight people sustained varying degrees of burns in the incident. The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention.
The inferno destroyed several vehicles, including two buses, an Audi saloon car and a truck, as well as market stalls and traders' goods.
Governor Okpebholo Visits Scene, Promises Reconstruction
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday, October 16, visited the affected market to assess the extent of the destruction and sympathise with the victims.
The governor described the incident as avoidable and promised that his administration would rebuild the market and support traders who lost their shops, merchandise and sources of livelihood.
Okpebholo blamed unsafe fuel-transfer operations for worsening the situation, criticising the tanker owner for bringing another tanker to evacuate the spilled petrol without adequate safety precautions.
He also expressed concern over the decision by some residents to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker despite repeated warnings from security personnel.
The governor urged members of the public to stay away from accident scenes involving petroleum products, warning that such actions could result in devastating fires and further loss of lives.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to helping affected traders recover from the disaster.
Traders Count Their Losses
The fire has left traders devastated, with many losing their goods, shops and investments accumulated over several years.
Blessing Itoje, the market secretary, appealed to the state government for urgent assistance, explaining that traders were unable to salvage their belongings before the flames consumed their shops and merchandise.
She noted that some traders were widows who depended on their businesses to support their families, while others were still repaying loans taken to finance their operations.
Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also appealed for government support, saying the destruction had left many traders with little or nothing to rebuild their businesses.
While several traders mourned their losses, others expressed gratitude that their shops and property survived the blaze.
Victims Receive Treatment at UBTH
Following the explosion, emergency responders and security personnel assisted in evacuating injured victims to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
During his visit on Friday, Governor Okpebholo also inspected the hospital's burns and plastic surgery ward, where some victims were receiving treatment.
He urged residents to take safety warnings seriously, particularly during accidents involving petrol tankers, and avoid attempting to collect spilled fuel.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with fuel scooping and the need for strict adherence to safety procedures during petroleum-related emergencies.
As investigations and assessments continue, affected traders are awaiting the promised government intervention to rebuild the market and restore their livelihoods.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and avoid fallen tankers and other hazardous accident scenes to prevent similar tragedies.