Following a gasoline tanker fire incident in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, which resulted in multiple injuries, the Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens.
The state government revealed that a powerful delegation had been sent to the affected community and hospitals where victims are undergoing treatment in a statement signed and released on Saturday by Ebojele Akhere Patrick, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
On Governor Monday Okpebholo’s orders, the delegation, led by Mallam Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, visited Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital, where casualties were admitted, as well as the location of the fire.
According to Audu, the governor ordered the team to go to Auchi right once in order to express sympathy to the locals and carry out an immediate evaluation of the situation.
“When we learned of this incident on December 17th, the governor gave us a clear mandate to come to Auchi immediately to show solidarity and sympathy with the Auchi community and the victims,” he stated.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has instructed us to come here and evaluate the specifics of what transpired.”
The Chief of Staff clarified that while the governor would have physically visited the region, he was inevitably involved in state affairs in Abuja.
He claims that a strong delegation’s structure highlights the administration’s responsiveness.
“You can see that this is a responsible and responsive government that cares about the people when you have the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of EdoSEMA, and officials of NEMA,” Audu continued.
He promised that a comprehensive report would be sent to the governor to direct long-term preventive actions, noting that the delegation had collected first-hand information from the site and the hospitals.
“We give thanks to God that no lives were lost. Now that we have first-hand knowledge, we will alert the governor so that steps can be made to stop similar incidents from happening again,” he stated.
Auchi does not currently have a working fire station, according to the Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service, who stated that the government was already taking action.
The governor has already promised Auchi will get a fire station with fire trucks by January of next year. He said, “There should be a fire station in this heavily populated business area.”
The Auchi-Okene expressway that connects Jattu Junction is in bad shape, according to Hon. Festus Ebea, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security.
This road’s undulating terrain makes it hazardous. To prevent such incidents in the future, immediate corrective action is required. According to historical data, a number of trailers have failed to arrive at this location, he stated.
Ebea promised that victims undergoing treatment would be handled by the state government.
Additionally, the commissioner cautioned locals against gathering fuel from downed tankers, calling the practice exceedingly risky.
“PMS is extremely combustible. Run quickly whenever you see petrol streaming. Fire can be started by even a small static force. “Everyone should heed this strong advice,” he said.
According to Jerry Idahosa, the head of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, the tragedy harmed 25 people.
He stated that 16 of the patients were still receiving care at Amazing Grace Hospital and Auchi General Hospital.
“A few motorbikes were also burned, four trucks were impacted, and some shops were destroyed,” Idahosa continued.
Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, expressed sympathy for the residents of his district and urged the federal and state governments to immediately repair the Auchi-Okene road.
According to him, Jattu Junction serves as a vital gateway to numerous Etsako settlements.
In a similar vein, the chairman of the Etsako West Local Government Area expressed gratitude to the governor for his prompt action, citing a prior instance in which victims received compensation.
“The government has been present since the day of this tragedy. He stated, “I think His Excellency will also look after the impacted individuals this time.”
During the assessment, National Emergency Management Agency personnel were present as well as victims and eyewitnesses who talked from their hospital beds about their experiences.
