Oluku Market Fire: BIBI Sympathises With Victims, Calls For Stronger Safety Measures
Hon. Sunny Aguebor, popularly known as BIBI, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District, has expressed sympathy with the people of Oluku in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State following a reported fire outbreak at the community’s main market.
Aguebor described the incident as painful, extending his condolences to the families of those who reportedly lost their lives and expressing solidarity with injured victims, affected traders and others whose livelihoods may have been disrupted by the disaster.
According to a statement issued by Aguebor, the fire reportedly occurred after a diesel tanker collapsed near Oluku Main Market, resulting in fatalities and the destruction of goods and other valuables worth millions of naira.
He lamented the reported loss of lives and property, noting that incidents of this nature leave affected families grieving and impose additional economic hardship on traders whose businesses may have been destroyed.
The NDC candidate prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed hope that affected traders would receive the necessary support to rebuild their businesses.
Aguebor called on the Edo State Government and relevant emergency management agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and strengthen measures to prevent similar tragedies.
He specifically advocated restrictions on diesel tankers and other articulated vehicles operating on roads during daytime hours, particularly around busy markets and densely populated areas, where accidents involving fuel-carrying vehicles could have devastating consequences.
He also called for the establishment of a responsive state emergency and fire service mechanism capable of reaching incident locations promptly, containing fires and coordinating rescue operations.
In addition, he urged authorities to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations governing fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles, including roadworthiness checks, compliance with traffic regulations and measures to reduce risks around commercial centres.
Aguebor stressed that effective emergency preparedness requires coordination among government agencies, fire services, security personnel, transport operators, market leaders and community stakeholders.
He further called for attention to the immediate needs of affected families and traders, including appropriate assistance for those who have lost loved ones, sustained injuries or suffered substantial business losses.
Reaffirming his concern for the safety and welfare of residents, Aguebor said preventing a recurrence would require timely intervention, strict compliance with safety standards and sustained investment in emergency response infrastructure.
He urged the relevant authorities to take prompt and practical steps to address the risks exposed by the incident and protect lives and property across Edo State.
