Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to rebuild Oluku Market, which was destroyed by fire on Thursday, and support traders who lost their shops and goods.
Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin after inspecting the damage and addressing affected traders.
The market, located along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, was hit by a fire following a fuel tanker explosion as residents scooped fuel.
The governor expressed sadness over the incident, saying it could have been avoided. He also said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had sent her condolences to the victims and families of those who died.
“I spoke to the First Lady this morning, and she expressed her sadness over the incident,” he said.
Okpebholo urged residents to stay away from scenes of petrol-related fires to prevent further casualties.
He later visited victims receiving treatment at the burns and plastic ward of the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Addressing the victims’ parents at the hospital, the governor said the federal government had spent considerable sums on public awareness campaigns warning against the dangers of scooping fuel.
He also criticised the owner of the tanker for bringing in another truck to transfer its contents without taking adequate precautions.
Okpebholo assured the traders that his administration would not abandon them, pledging to help restore their livelihoods through a market rebuilding and support programme.
Earlier, the market’s secretary, Blessing Itoje, appealed to the governor for assistance, saying traders had been unable to salvage anything from the fire.
“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.
“Some of the traders were admitted to hospital due to the shock; some are on oxygen. Please, our father, some of us are servicing loans as I speak,” she said.
Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also appealed for assistance, saying the traders had been left with nothing.
UBTH Chief Medical Director Idia Ize-Iyamu conducted the governor and other dignitaries, including former governor Adams Oshiomhole, Matthew Urhoghide and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, around the hospital to see the victims.
