Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to rebuild Oluku Market, destroyed by fire following a petrol tanker explosion, and provide support to traders who lost their shops and goods in the disaster.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday during an assessment visit to the market along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

Okpebholo expressed sadness over the incident and assured the affected traders that his administration would not abandon them in their time of need.

He disclosed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had expressed sympathy with the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

“I spoke to the First Lady this morning, and she expressed her sadness over what happened yesterday,” the governor said.

He urged residents to exercise caution during fire emergencies involving petroleum products, warning against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

According to him, despite repeated public awareness campaigns by federal and state authorities on the dangers of fuel scooping, some residents continue to expose themselves to avoidable risks.

“We, as human beings, should also take precautions whenever something like this happens. Before the explosion, people were scooping fuel,” he said.

The governor also faulted the decision to bring another tanker to transfer fuel from the affected vehicle without adequate safety precautions, describing the action as dangerous.

He stressed that strict adherence to safety procedures could help prevent similar tragedies and urged members of the public to stay away from accident scenes involving petroleum products.

As part of his visit, Okpebholo proceeded to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he visited victims receiving treatment at the burns and plastic surgery ward of the Accident and Emergency Department.

He reiterated his appeal for greater public awareness and compliance with safety warnings, while assuring the victims and their families of the state government’s commitment to supporting their recovery.

Earlier, the market’s secretary, Blessing Itoje, appealed to the governor and his entourage to assist the traders, many of whom lost their entire means of livelihood in the fire.

She said the traders were unable to salvage their goods before the flames consumed their shops and merchandise, adding that several affected traders were already struggling with financial obligations.

“We couldn’t even pick anything; everything burnt to ashes. Some of us are widows, and we use our meagre earnings to care for our families,” Itoje said.

She added that some traders had been hospitalised following the incident, while others were reportedly receiving oxygen and medical attention.

“Please, our father, some of us are servicing loans as I speak,” she appealed.

Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also appealed for government assistance, saying the affected traders had been left with nothing.

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, accompanied the governor, his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, former Edo State governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Senator Matthew Urhoghide on a tour of the hospital facilities to assess the condition of the victims.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the market and helping affected traders restore their businesses and livelihoods.