Edo State Government has said no fewer than 25 victims were affected by the December 17, 2025 fuel tanker explosion in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
DAILY POST reports that Jerry Idahosa, Head of the State Emergency Management Agency, EDOSEMA, disclosed this when a state government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu visited the locality
Idahosa said 16 of the victims are undergoing treatment at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital.
He added that several shops, four trucks and motorbikes were also destroyed in the incident.
Earlier, Alhaji Gani Audu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, said the delegation was at Auchi on the instance of the state government to sympathise with the community and carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.
“We were given a clear mandate by the governor when we heard of this incident that we should immediately come to Auchi to show solidarity and sympathise with the community, the victims and assess exactly what happened,” he said.
He said the delegation had visited the scene of the inferno and hospitals where victims were admitted, adding that a detailed report would be submitted to the governor to guide long-term preventive actions.
While thanking God that no life was lost, he said with the first-hand information at their disposal, the team would report back to the governor so that measures can be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
On his part,the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, who was also part of the delegation, commiserated with the victims and attributed the incident partly to the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene express road linking Jattu junction.
“The undulating nature of this road is dangerous. We need urgent remedial work to avert future occurrences. From past records, several trailers have missed their way here,” he added..
Ebea assured that the state government would take responsibility for the treatment of victims at the hospitals.
He, however, warned residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noting that Premium Motor Spirit, PMS is highly flammable.
“Anywhere you see fuel flowing, run away fast. Even a minor static force can ignite fire. This is strong advice to everyone,” he cautioned.
25 victims affected by Auchi fuel tanker explosion – Edo Govt
