Oluku Tanker Explosion: Aiguobarueghian Mourns Victims, Calls For Urgent Relief For Affected Families
Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, member representing Ovia North East Constituency I in the Edo State House of Assembly, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating petrol tanker explosion that rocked Oluku community along the Benin-Lagos Highway on Thursday, October 15, 2026, leaving several people dead and others injured.
Aiguobarueghian, in a condolence message, described the incident as a painful tragedy that had plunged Oluku Ward, Ovia North East Local Government Area and Edo State into mourning.
The lawmaker lamented the loss of precious lives, the injuries sustained by victims and the destruction of the popular Oluku Market, which serves as an important commercial centre for residents and traders in the area.
According to him, the incident has inflicted severe emotional and economic hardship on affected families, traders, commercial motorcycle operators and other residents whose livelihoods were disrupted by the explosion and ensuing fire.
He disclosed that more than 10 injured persons were receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, including a soldier who reportedly sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, the lawmaker said the tragedy had left an immeasurable wound in the hearts of the people, noting that no words could adequately compensate families for the loss of their loved ones.
He also sympathised with traders who lost their shops and goods to the fire, describing the destruction as a devastating setback for families whose livelihoods depend on daily commercial activities at the market.
On behalf of his family and the people of Ovia North East Constituency I, Aiguobarueghian extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the incident.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God to grant their families the strength to endure their painful loss. He also wished the injured victims, including the soldier receiving treatment, a speedy and complete recovery.
The lawmaker called on the Edo State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to urgently provide assistance to the victims.
He stressed the need for medical support for the injured, relief materials for affected households and interventions to help traders recover from the destruction of their businesses.
Aiguobarueghian's appeal also underscored the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure that affected residents receive timely assistance during the difficult period.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian response, the incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with fallen fuel tankers and the risks posed when people gather around accident scenes involving petroleum products.
Such incidents can quickly escalate into deadly fires, making public awareness, prompt emergency response and strict adherence to safety precautions critical to preventing further loss of lives.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Oluku, assuring affected residents that their grief and hardship remained a matter of deep concern to him.
"Oluku is my home, and your pain is my pain," he said, expressing hope that the community would find the strength to recover from the tragedy.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured and protect Oluku and the wider Edo State from a recurrence of such a devastating incident.
