Edo State Government Reassures Auchi Community, Commences Assessment for Preventive Measures Following Tanker Fire Incident

The Edo State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety, welfare, and well-being of its citizens following the recent petrol tanker fire incident in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on December 17, resulted in injuries to several persons; however, no fatalities were recorded.

In response, a high-powered government delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu, visited the scene of the incident as well as hospitals where the affected victims are currently receiving medical care. The visit was undertaken on the directive of Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Staff stated that the delegation was mandated to convey the Governor’s sympathy to the Auchi community, assess the situation firsthand, and engage relevant stakeholders to determine immediate and long-term preventive measures.

“Upon receiving reports of the incident on December 17, His Excellency directed us to immediately proceed to Auchi to sympathise with the community and the victims, and to thoroughly assess what transpired. We are here in fulfillment of that directive,” he said.

He further explained that while the Governor would have personally visited the area, pressing state engagements in Abuja made it necessary for him to constitute a strong delegation as a demonstration of the government’s responsiveness and concern.

“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 underscores that this is a responsible government that places the safety of its citizens above all else,” he added.

Mr Audu expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and assured residents that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Governor to guide policy decisions aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service disclosed that Auchi currently lacks a functional fire station but assured residents that this gap would soon be addressed.

“The Governor has given assurance that by January, Auchi will have a functional fire station equipped with fire trucks. Given the commercial importance and population density of this area, such infrastructure is long overdue,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, commiserated with the victims and identified the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene expressway, particularly around Jattu Junction, as a contributing factor to the incident.

“The undulating nature of this road poses serious risks. Urgent remedial intervention is required, as records indicate repeated incidents involving heavy-duty vehicles in this axis,” he said.

He assured that the Edo State Government would bear responsibility for the treatment of victims still receiving medical attention and issued a strong warning against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

“Premium Motor Spirit is highly flammable. At the sight of any fuel spill, the safest action is to move away immediately. Even minimal static energy can trigger an explosion,” he cautioned.

The Head of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Jerry Idahosa, disclosed that 25 persons 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 affected, and a number of motorcycles were burnt in the inferno.

The Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hussein Mustafa Lecky, also sympathised with the people of his constituency and appealed to both the state and federal governments to urgently rehabilitate the Auchi–Okene Road, noting that Jattu Junction serves as a major gateway to several communities in Etsako.

The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area expressed appreciation to the Governor for the swift intervention, recalling similar past incidents where affected persons received government support.

“Since the occurrence of this incident, the government has remained present and engaged. We are confident that His Excellency will once again extend support to the affected persons,” he said.

Victims and eyewitnesses interviewed at the hospitals recounted their experiences, while officials of the National Emergency Management Agency were also present during the assessment exercise.

Signed:
Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD
Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Edo State