Petrol tanker explosion in Oluku market destroys millions

A petrol tanker explosion occurred last Thursday along the Benin-Lagos Expressway at Oluku market, resulting in the destruction of vehicles, food items, and other valuables estimated at hundreds of millions of naira. The explosion was triggered by a petrol-laden tanker that fell on the expressway, causing fire to spread rapidly into the market.

Scavengers rushed to the scene to scoop fuel, complicating the efforts of security and fire service personnel. This incident follows a similar explosion in Suleja, Niger State, in January last year, which claimed over 84 lives.

President Bola Tinubu had dispatched a delegation to condole with the victims' families and constituted a high-powered investigation committee to determine the causes of such explosions. Despite past tragedies, including 1,531 petrol tanker crashes in 2020 resulting in 535 deaths, there has been little action taken to prevent future occurrences.

The need for public education on the dangers of fuel scavenging has become increasingly urgent.