Okpebholo pledges support for victims of Edo market fire
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has promised to rebuild Oluku Market and support traders affected by a recent fire disaster in Ovia North-East LGA. Read More:…
Market fires remain a recurring hazard across Nigeria, often linked to poor electrical wiring, overcrowded stalls, and in cases involving tanker explosions, the chaotic mix of heavy fuel-haulage traffic with dense commercial and residential areas. Oluku Market, located along the Benin–Lagos corridor in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, serves as a key trading hub for residents, making any disruption to its operations a significant blow to local livelihoods.
Governor Monday Okpebholo's pledge follows a deadly tanker explosion that swept through the market, destroying shops and goods. As with similar disaster-response pledges by state governments in the past, key details — including the scale of damage, a timeline for rebuilding, the nature of compensation for affected traders, and funding sources — are yet to be made public. Coverage from Tribune Online and Punch both confirm the governor's commitment to reconstruction and victim support, though neither outlet has reported specifics on how the rebuilding effort will be implemented or financed.