By Charles Pemu 
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of its citizens following a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. While the inferno resulted in significant property damage and multiple injuries, officials confirmed that no lives were lost. In a swift response to the crisis, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo dispatched a high-powered delegation to the scene to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and provide immediate solidarity to the affected community.
Led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, the delegation visited the site of the explosion and met with victims currently receiving medical attention at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital. Mallam Audu emphasized that the Governor’s priority is to ensure the victims receive the best possible care while the state gathers technical data to prevent future occurrences. He noted that the presence of top officials from the Ministry of Public Safety, the State House of Assembly, and emergency management agencies underscores the administration’s responsive approach to governance.
A critical revelation during the assessment was the current lack of a functional fire station in Auchi, a major commercial and highly populated hub. Addressing this gap, the Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service announced a direct mandate from Governor Okpebholo to establish a fully equipped fire station with modern trucks in Auchi by January 2025. This move is seen as a vital step in bolstering the region’s disaster preparedness and protecting its bustling business district from future fire outbreaks.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, identified the dilapidated state of the Auchi–Okene express road, particularly around Jattu Junction, as a significant factor in the accident. He described the undulating nature of the road as a perennial hazard for heavy-duty vehicles and called for urgent remedial work. Beyond infrastructure, the Commissioner issued a stern warning to residents regarding the dangers of fuel scooping, noting that the highly flammable nature of petroleum products means that even minor static electricity can trigger a catastrophe.
The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) provided a preliminary report on the scale of the disaster, revealing that 25 persons were affected by the blaze. Currently, 16 individuals remain hospitalized under medical supervision. The physical toll of the inferno includes the destruction of several shops, four trucks, and multiple motorcycles. In light of these losses, the state government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of those still in hospital and is evaluating further support for those whose livelihoods were impacted.
Support for the Governor’s intervention was echoed by the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, and the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area. Both leaders lauded the administration’s empathy and called on the federal government to collaborate with the state to fix the hazardous Auchi-Okene corridor. As the community begins the process of recovery, the presence of both the State and National Emergency Management Agencies (NEMA) signifies a coordinated effort to ensure that the “Renewed Hope” agenda translates into tangible safety and support for the people of Edo North.