Oluku Explosion:
Reps Press for Urgent Highway Safety Intervention
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials and financial assistance to victims of the petrol tanker explosion at Oluku Market in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, while demanding urgent safety measures along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The lawmakers also urged the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, repair dangerous sections of the highway and support efforts to rebuild the market and restore the livelihoods of affected traders.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Omosede Igbinedion, who drew the attention of the House to the destruction caused by the explosion and the economic hardship confronting traders and families who lost their property.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, when a petrol-laden tanker overturned near Oluku Market, spilling its contents before a fire engulfed parts of the market and surrounding areas.
The inferno destroyed shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property, leaving traders facing substantial losses and uncertainty over how to rebuild their businesses.
Moving the motion, Igbinedion said: “The House notes with sadness the petrol tanker explosion and fire outbreak on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Oluku along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, which caused loss of life, serious injuries, extensive property damage and the displacement of traders.
“The tanker overturned, spilling highly inflammable petroleum products before the fire spread to nearby businesses and Oluku Market.
“We are aware that the fire destroyed shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property, depriving traders and families of their livelihoods;
“The House is concerned that many victims lost lifetime savings and face severe economic hardship and indebtedness,” she said.
The House called for urgent intervention to address dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway, particularly areas where road conditions could increase the risk of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide assistance to affected residents and traders, whose losses have disrupted their sources of income.
The lawmakers further called for the reconstruction of the damaged market and measures to ensure that victims receive the support needed to resume their businesses.
The motion also sought an investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had visited the affected market and victims following the incident, pledging that his administration would support efforts to rebuild the market and help traders recover from their losses.
