Kingsley Ohens reporting

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured traders affected by the devastating fire at Oluku Market along the Benin–Lagos Road of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the market and supporting victims to recover from their losses.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday, October 16, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of the damage at the market in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, where shops and goods were destroyed in the inferno.

Expressing sadness over the incident, Okpebholo assured the affected traders that his administration would not abandon them in their moment of distress. He also disclosed that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had expressed sympathy over the tragedy and the families affected by the loss of lives.

“I spoke to the First Lady this morning, and she expressed her sadness over what happened yesterday,” the governor said.

While sympathising with the victims, Okpebholo stressed the importance of adhering to public safety warnings, particularly during petrol-related accidents. He cautioned residents against approaching accident scenes involving petroleum products to scoop fuel, noting that such actions could lead to further loss of lives.

The governor also faulted the decision to deploy another tanker to transfer fuel from the accident vehicle without adequate safety precautions, describing the action as dangerous and avoidable.

He urged members of the public to prioritise their safety and comply with established safety guidelines whenever such incidents occur.

As part of his visit, Governor Okpebholo proceeded to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he visited victims receiving treatment at the burns and plastic ward of the Accident and Emergency Department. He was accompanied by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; and Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

During the hospital visit, the governor interacted with affected families, reiterated the dangers of fuel scooping and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to assist the victims and rebuild the market.

Earlier, the market secretary, Blessing Itoje, appealed to the governor for urgent assistance, explaining that the fire destroyed traders’ shops and merchandise, leaving many with no means of recovering their investments.

She disclosed that some traders were widows who depended on their daily businesses to provide for their families, while others were servicing loans obtained to sustain their livelihoods. She also expressed concern over traders who had been hospitalised following the incident, including some reportedly receiving oxygen support.

Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, equally appealed for government intervention, describing the traders’ plight as devastating and emphasising the urgent need for assistance to help them rebuild their businesses.

At UBTH, the Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, conducted the governor and his entourage around the hospital facilities to see the victims receiving medical attention.

The visit underscored the urgency of providing support to affected traders and ensuring that those injured receive the necessary medical care as they begin the difficult process of recovery.

The report was issued by Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Friday, October 16, 2026.