Okpebholo pledges to rebuild Oluku market after deadly fire disaster

By Osho Olatomiwa

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to rebuild Oluku Market and support traders who lost their shops and goods in a fire disaster that also claimed lives.

Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday during an inspection of the damaged market along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

The governor sympathised with the victims but warned residents against scooping fuel at accident scenes, noting that such actions expose them to further danger. He also faulted the tanker owner’s decision to bring another tanker to transfer fuel without adequate safety precautions.

He disclosed that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had expressed condolences over the incident, assuring the affected traders that his administration would not abandon them.

Okpebholo later visited the burns and plastic ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where injured victims were receiving treatment. He urged residents to heed safety warnings and avoid dangerous practices around fuel-related incidents.

Earlier, the market secretary, Blessing Itoje, appealed for urgent assistance, saying traders had lost all their goods, while some were struggling to repay loans and meet family responsibilities.

Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also called on the government to support affected traders in rebuilding their businesses and restoring their livelihoods.

Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the market and helping the affected traders recover from their losses.