Gov Okpebholo Reacts To Auchi Explosion, Sends Delegation As State Rallies Behind Victims

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the welfare of residents in the aftermath of a petrol tanker fire in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, which left several people injured.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, the government announced that a high-level delegation had been sent to the affected community and to hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment.

The team, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, visited the scene of the explosion as well as Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital on the governor’s directive.

Audu said the delegation was instructed to immediately travel to Auchi to express the governor’s sympathy and carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

“When we received information about the incident on December 17, the governor gave a clear directive that we should come to Auchi immediately to show solidarity with the community and sympathise with the victims,” he said, adding that the visit was to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

He explained that Governor Okpebholo would have personally visited the area but was unavoidably engaged with state matters in Abuja.

According to Audu, the composition of the delegation reflected the administration’s seriousness and responsiveness.

“With the presence of the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of EdoSEMA and officials of NEMA, it is clear that this government is responsible and people-focused,” he stated.

He added that first-hand reports had been obtained from the scene and hospitals, and that a comprehensive briefing would be submitted to the governor to guide future preventive measures.

“We thank God that no life was lost. We now have direct information and will report back to the governor so that steps can be taken to prevent a recurrence,” Audu said.

The Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service disclosed that Auchi currently lacks a functional fire station, noting that the state government was already addressing the gap.

He said the governor had assured that a fire station equipped with trucks would be established in Auchi by January, stressing that the busy commercial nature of the area makes such a facility essential.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, partly blamed the incident on the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene expressway, particularly around Jattu Junction.

“The uneven nature of this road poses serious danger. Urgent repairs are needed to prevent future accidents, as records show that several trailers have previously veered off this route,” he said.

Ebea assured that the state government would take responsibility for victims still receiving medical care and cautioned residents against attempting to scoop fuel from fallen tankers.

“Petrol is highly flammable. Whenever you see fuel spilling, move away immediately. Even minimal static energy can trigger a fire,” he warned.

The Head of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Jerry Idahosa, disclosed that 25 people were affected by the incident, with 16 currently receiving treatment at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital.

He added that several shops were destroyed, four trucks were damaged and some motorcycles were also burnt in the fire.

The Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, sympathised with residents of the area and called on both the state and federal governments to urgently rehabilitate the Auchi–Okene road, describing Jattu Junction as a vital access point to many communities in Etsako.

Similarly, the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his swift response, recalling previous incidents in which victims received government support.

“From the first day of this incident, the government has been present. I am confident that His Excellency will once again ensure that those affected are properly taken care of,” he said.

Victims and eyewitnesses, speaking from their hospital beds, recounted their experiences, while officials of the National Emergency Management Agency were also present during the assessment visit.