Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to rebuild Oluku Market in Benin City and support traders who lost their shops and goods in Thursday’s fire disaster.
Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday while addressing affected traders after inspecting the damage at the market, located along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The market was hit by a fire following a fuel tanker explosion, which occurred as some residents scooped petrol from the fallen tanker.
The governor expressed sadness over the incident, saying the disaster could have been avoided. He also urged residents to stay away from scenes involving spilled petrol to prevent further casualties.
Okpebholo said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had sent her condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
“I spoke to the First Lady this morning, and she expressed her sadness over the incident,” he said.
The governor also visited victims receiving treatment at the burns and plastic ward of the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Addressing parents of the injured victims, Okpebholo criticised the handling of the fallen tanker’s contents, saying the truck owner brought another tanker to transfer the fuel without taking adequate precautions.
Also Read: Oluku fire outbreak: Eight victims battle burn injuries
He also noted that the Federal Government had spent considerable resources on public awareness campaigns warning Nigerians against scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Okpebholo assured the affected traders that his administration would not abandon them, promising to restore their livelihoods through a rebuilding and support programme.
Earlier, the market secretary, Blessing Itoje, appealed to the governor to assist traders who lost their goods and shops in the fire.
Itoje said the traders could not salvage their belongings before the fire destroyed them, adding that many relied on their businesses to support their families and repay loans.
“We couldn’t even pick anything; everything burnt to ashes. Some of us are widows, and we use our meagre earnings to care for our families,” she said.
She added that some traders had been admitted to hospital following the incident, with some receiving oxygen.
Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also appealed for government assistance, saying the affected traders had been left with nothing.
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital Chief Medical Director, Prof. NVIDIA Ize-Iyamu, led the governor, former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa around the hospital facilities to see the injured victims.
NAN
