Adekunbi Ero
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday expressed profound sadness over the devastating petrol tanker fire that occurred Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Oluku, along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
Though the number of casualties in terms of deaths was yet to be ascertained, the Federal Road Safety Corp3, FRSC, confirmed that 10 victims who suffered burns were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
Follow Us on Social MediaThe PDP described the tragic incident, which left several people severely injured and destroyed shops, vehicles, businesses and other properties, as “a painful reminder of the vulnerability of our communities to preventable disasters.”
A statement signed by Nosa M Ogieva-Okunbor,
State PDP Chairman, called for a thorough transparent and independent investigation into the delay in securing the scene before tragedy struck.
The statement titled:
Oluku Fire Tragedy: Edo PDP Mourns Victims, Calls For Urgent Relief And Review Of Emergency Response’, reads:“On behalf of the leadership and members of the PDP in Edo State, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims, their families, traders who have lost their means of livelihood, and the entire Oluku community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are particularly with those receiving treatment in hospitals, and we wish them a speedy and complete recovery.“While reports that some residents attempted to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker are deeply troubling, this tragedy must also compel us to confront the wider questions of public safety, emergency preparedness and the capacity of our institutions to respond promptly to life-threatening situations.
“There are disturbing reports concerning the time between the tanker accident and the eventual outbreak of the fire, as well as questions about the effectiveness of efforts to secure the area and prevent residents from approaching the spilled fuel.
“These circumstances deserve a thorough, transparent and independent investigation. We therefore call on the Edo State Government to immediately undertake a comprehensive assessment of the disaster, ensure that every injured victim receives adequate medical attention, and provide meaningful relief to families and business owners affected by the inferno.
“We also urge the government to review the operational readiness of the State Fire Service and other emergency response agencies, including their equipment, manpower, deployment capacity and coordination with federal agencies.”
While emphasising that the safety of Edo people must never be taken for granted, the PDP equally appealed to people “to resist the temptation to scoop petroleum products from fallen tankers”, stressing that “No quantity of fuel is worth a human life.”
The statement exoressed the need tothat intensify public enlightenment, particularly in communities along major highways, about the grave dangers associated with petroleum spills.
The party commend the medical personnel at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, security operatives, firefighters, volunteers and other emergency responders who worked to rescue victims and provide medical assistance.
According to the PDP, “At a moment like this, our collective humanity must rise above political differences. The responsibility of government is to protect lives and property, and the responsibility of a credible opposition is to insist that this duty is discharged effectively.
“The Oluku tragedy must not become another unfortunate incident that dominates the headlines today and is forgotten tomorrow.
“The victims deserve compassion. The affected families deserve support. And the people of Edo State deserve answers and assurances that lessons will be learned.”
The PDP prayed to God to comfort everyone affected “by this terrible tragedy.”
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