The House of Representatives has appealed to the Federal Government to assist victims of the deadly petrol tanker explosion in Oluku, Edo State, following the destruction of businesses and property.
The lawmakers called for financial assistance, emergency supplies and support to help affected traders rebuild their businesses and recover from the losses suffered in the incident.
They also urged the government to address unsafe portions of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku to reduce the likelihood of another tragedy.
The appeal came after the House considered a motion raised by Omosede Igbinedion during Wednesday’s plenary.
The explosion happened on October 15, 2026, when a petrol tanker reportedly overturned near Oluku Market, spilling fuel that later caught fire.
Reports indicated that some residents moved towards the scene to collect the spilled petrol despite safety warnings. The fire subsequently spread to surrounding businesses, destroying shops, stalls, vehicles and traders’ goods.
The disaster reportedly killed several people and left others with serious injuries, while many traders lost their businesses and sources of income.
While moving the motion, Igbinedion drew attention to the suffering of victims, including families who lost loved ones and traders whose investments were wiped out by the fire.
“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 lives, 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.
She added that some victims sustained severe burns and required urgent medical attention at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other health facilities.
The lawmaker further raised concerns about the risks posed by fuel tankers travelling through populated areas, particularly where roads are close to markets and residential communities.
She acknowledged Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visit to the affected area and his promise to rebuild the damaged market and assist traders. However, she stressed the need for federal intervention to complement the state government’s efforts.
As part of its resolutions, the House asked the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide affected residents with relief materials, financial aid and rehabilitation assistance.
The lawmakers also urged both levels of government to work together to rebuild the market and help affected traders restore their businesses.
The Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency were similarly urged to inspect and repair dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway near Oluku.
Additionally, the House called on the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the fuel spill and the fire that followed.
The investigation is expected to identify safety failures and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents along major highways.
The tragedy has once again exposed the dangers of attempting to collect fuel from fallen tankers, a practice that can lead to fatal fires and explosions.
It has also reinforced calls for stricter safety enforcement, improved emergency response and increased public awareness about the risks associated with spilled petroleum products.
