A former governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday expressed deep concern over the fire incident that claimed lives in Benin City on Thursday.

In a condolence message, he described the Oluku market fire as saddening, and called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and stronger emergency response mechanisms.

Mr Obaseki said that the incident was “tragic and avoidable.”

The incident occurred after a petrol tanker fell, leading to an explosion and subsequent fire that claimed lives and destroyed property.

The former governor lamented the recurring loss of lives, destruction of property and livelihoods in similar disasters across Nigeria.

He expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones, the injured receiving medical treatment and residents whose livelihoods had been affected by the incident.

“What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that the incidents  are becoming too familiar in our national experience,” he said.

Mr Obaseki said that the recurrence of such disasters was raising concerns about poverty, systemic inefficiencies, inadequate safety measures and the failure to address known risks.

He urged Nigerians and relevant authorities not to accept such tragedies as inevitable, but to examine existing safety standards and strengthen measures to protect human lives.

He stated, “This latest disaster must stir our collective humanity and compel us, as a people and as a nation, to undertake a sober and honest examination of our systems, our safety standards, and our collective responsibility to protect human life.”

The former governor called for effective emergency response mechanisms, strict enforcement of safety regulations and decisive action to address the underlying failures that expose people to preventable dangers.

He said the lessons from the Oluku incident must translate into meaningful action to prevent similar occurrences.

Mr Obaseki prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, a speedy recovery for the injured and strength for families affected by the tragedy.

He also extended his condolences to the victims, their families and the people of Edo State. 

(NAN)