OFFICIAL CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE DEVASTATING OLUKU TANKER EXPLOSION
Today, Oluku weeps. Ovia North East mourns. Edo State grieves.
It is with a shattered heart, profound sorrow, and indescribable pain that I received the devastating news of the petrol tanker tragedy that struck at the heart of Oluku, along the Benin Lagos Highway, on this day, 15th October, 2026.
What was supposed to be a normal day of hustle and hope turned into a nightmare of fire, smoke, tears and blood. A fallen tanker, a moment of desperation, and in a flash, precious lives were cut short, over ten of our own were left with horrific burns now fighting for dear life at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, including a gallant soldier who sustained serious injuries in service, and the popular Oluku Market, the economic heartbeat of our people, was consumed by merciless flames.
I am completely heartbroken.
Words fail me. How do you console a mother who waited for her son to return from the market, only to be told he never will? How do you comfort a trader whose entire life savings went up in flames in seconds? This is more than an accident, it is a deep, open wound on the soul of Oluku Ward and our entire constituency.
My soul bleeds for every life lost. My heart goes out to every injured soul lying on a hospital bed. My spirit stands with every market woman weeping over her burnt shop, every bike rider who lost his motorcycle, every family thrown into sudden mourning and darkness.
On behalf of myself, my family, and the good, resilient people of Ovia North East Constituency I, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families and to everyone affected by this monumental tragedy.
I pray that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed, and wraps His comforting arms around their families, giving them the uncommon strength to bear this irreparable, painful loss. I pray for divine healing and swift recovery for all those injured and hospitalized, including our gallant soldier.
I also make a passionate appeal to the Edo State Government, NEMA, SEMA, and all well meaning individuals and humanitarian agencies to urgently come to the aid of the victims, with medical support, relief materials, and succour for our traders who have lost everything.
In this dark and painful hour, I stand with you. I weep with you. I pray with you. Oluku is my home, and your pain is my pain.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in perfect peace, and may God shield our land from such tragedy ever again.
Signed:
Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, Esq.
Member Representing Ovia North East Constituency I
Edo State House of Assembly
