The Edo State Government has commenced a full assessment of the recent petrol tanker fire in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response systems and prevent future occurrences.
The assessment was carried out by the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) during an on-the-spot inspection led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu. The high-level delegation inspected the scene of the incident and visited hospitals where survivors are receiving treatment.
Mallam Audu said the delegation was mandated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was on official assignment in Abuja, to sympathize with the Auchi community, assess the incident firsthand and submit a detailed report to guide government intervention and long-term preventive strategies. He noted that the visit reflected the governor’s concern and responsiveness to the plight of the people.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, described the incident as partly linked to the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene Expressway, particularly the Jattu Junction area, which he said is accident-prone. He called for urgent remedial work on the undulating section of the road, citing repeated accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
Ebea assured that the state government would take responsibility for the medical care of survivors and warned the public against scooping fuel from fallen tankers. He emphasized that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is highly flammable and can ignite within seconds, even from minimal static contact, urging residents to evacuate immediately during such incidents and heed safety warnings from emergency agencies.
Also speaking, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, commiserated with victims and appealed to both the state and federal governments to urgently rehabilitate the Auchi–Okene Expressway, describing the Jattu Junction as a critical gateway to several communities in Etsako.
The Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Mr. Jerry Idahosa, disclosed that 25 persons were affected by the fire, with 16 currently receiving treatment at the Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital. He added that several shops were destroyed, four trucks damaged and a number of motorcycles burnt. According to him, EdoSEMA’s assessment would inform the governor’s response by identifying gaps in emergency response, risk factors and preventive measures.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr. Idahosa expressed gratitude that no life was lost, noting that lessons learned would be used to strengthen preparedness and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
The Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service, Mr. Anthony Ojo, revealed that the governor has approved plans for a fully equipped fire station with fire trucks in Auchi by January 2026, in view of the area’s population density and commercial activities.
The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Okwilagwe Valentine, thanked the governor for his swift intervention and expressed confidence that affected victims would receive adequate government support.
Victims and eyewitnesses recounted their experiences from their hospital beds, while officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were also present, confirming collaboration with EdoSEMA during the assessment.