Oluku Market fire: Traders Hail Okpebholo’s Swift Intervention as Clearing Begins, Await Rebuilding

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Traders affected by the petrol tanker fire that destroyed parts of Oluku Market along the Benin-Lagos Expressway have commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his prompt response, as the evacuation of debris and clearing of the affected site continue.

The traders, many of whom lost their shops, goods and major sources of livelihood in the inferno, expressed hope that the governor would fulfil his promise to rebuild the market promptly, enabling them to return to business and recover from their losses.

One of the affected traders, Julie Ologbosere, said the governor responded to their plight shortly after they appealed for help, describing his intervention as a source of hope for the victims.

“Our baba Okpebholo, e do well. When we cry go meet am, he really answer our cry. He say make we no worry. He no even let one week reach, the second day after the fire, na he start work for here so,” she said.

Another trader, Yunusa Usman, described the governor as a father to the people of Edo State, thanking him for what he called his swift response to their predicament. He also prayed for God’s blessings upon the governor.

Similarly, Isaac Orina expressed appreciation for the intervention but appealed to the state government to commence the reconstruction of the market as soon as possible.

According to him, the fire had brought untold hardship to the affected traders, many of whom have been unable to resume their businesses or provide for their families since the incident.

Meanwhile, popular businessman and philanthropist, Mr Adun Osamede, popularly known as Bob Izua, visited the scene while clearing operations were ongoing and commended the governor’s response to the disaster.

Osamede appealed to the affected traders, particularly the market women, to remain patient and cooperate with the ongoing operations. He also urged them to stay away from the expressway to protect their lives and allow the clearing exercise to proceed without disruption.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier visited the affected market and promised that reconstruction would commence within one week, raising hopes among traders who suffered significant losses in the fire.

The incident followed a petrol tanker explosion at Oluku Junction last Thursday, which resulted in a devastating fire that destroyed shops and goods, leaving several traders struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.

As clearing operations continue, the affected traders say their immediate priority is the fulfilment of the governor’s reconstruction pledge, which they believe will provide an opportunity to reopen their businesses and begin the process of recovery.