Traders affected by the fire that razed Oluku Market in Edo State are to receive government support, with Governor Monday Okpebholo pledging to rebuild the market and help them restore their businesses.
The governor made the commitment on Friday when he visited the market along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area to assess the damage.
He expressed sadness over the losses and assured the traders that his administration would not abandon them.
Okpebholo also disclosed that the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, had conveyed her sympathy to the victims and the families of those who died in the incident.
He urged residents to avoid approaching scenes of fuel-related accidents, warning that attempts to scoop petrol could trigger further disasters.
The governor faulted the owner of the affected tanker for bringing another tanker to transfer the fuel without adequate safety precautions, describing the decision as wrong.
He later visited victims receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he appealed to residents to take safety warnings seriously.
Earlier, the market secretary, Blessing Itoje, told the governor that traders had lost their shops and goods, leaving many struggling to support their families and repay business loans.
Another trader, Julie Ologbosere, also appealed for assistance, saying the fire had left traders with nothing.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, led the governor and his entourage, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Matthew Urhoghide, to see the victims receiving treatment.
