…..Praises Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu for personally coordinating emergency medical response
…..Appreciates firefighters, health workers, security and rescue personnel
…..Warns residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers 
The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion along the Benin-Lagos Road, near Oluku in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media, John Mayaki, the council commiserated with families reportedly affected by the incident, particularly those who may have lost loved ones, while praying for the speedy recovery of injured victims receiving treatment.
The council described the incident as heartbreaking and called for urgent support for affected families and survivors.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this unfortunate tragedy. We share in their grief and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear their losses.
“No family deserves to lose a loved one in such painful circumstances. No parent should have to bury a child, and no child should have to lose a parent to a preventable tragedy and no struggling market woman deserves to lose her wares,” Mayaki said.
The council particularly commended the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, for her personal coordination of the hospital’s emergency response following the explosion.
Mayaki described the CMD’s intervention as an example of leadership during a public emergency.
“We commend Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of UBTH, for rising to the occasion and personally coordinating the emergency medical response to this unfortunate incident.
“Her intervention, alongside the doctors, nurses, emergency personnel and other hospital workers involved in treating the victims, deserves public recognition and appreciation.
“At a time when lives are at risk, what matters most is the ability of our institutions and their leadership to respond promptly, professionally and compassionately.
“We thank the management and staff of UBTH for their dedication to saving lives and caring for those affected.”
The campaign council also expressed appreciation to firefighters and personnel of the fire services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, emergency management agencies, ambulance operators, volunteers and other responders involved in rescue and emergency operations.
“These men and women undertake dangerous assignments to protect lives and property. While others are running away from danger, they are often moving towards it to rescue those in distress.
“We acknowledge their courage, sacrifice and commitment to public safety. Their contributions should never be overlooked,” Mayaki said.
The council also used the opportunity to warn residents against the dangerous practice of scooping petroleum products from fallen tankers or accident scenes.
Mayaki said the temptation to collect spilled fuel could expose people to deadly explosions and fires.
“We appeal to our people to stop scooping fuel whenever a tanker falls or petroleum products spill on the road.
“Please, no quantity of petrol or diesel is worth your life. What you hope to gain from a few litres of fuel cannot compare with the pain your death would bring to your family.
“When a tanker falls, stay away from the scene. Do not rush there with buckets, jerry cans or other containers. Alert the appropriate authorities and allow trained emergency personnel to handle the situation.
“We have witnessed too many painful tanker disasters in Nigeria. We must learn from these experiences and stop exposing ourselves to avoidable danger.”
The campaign council further expressed concern over attempts to introduce political sarcasm into discussions surrounding the tragedy.
Mayaki referred to a social media post attributed to a Benin based lawyer, which read: “Fire out break at Oluku, Benin City. What a welcoming scene for the 1st Lady.”
He questioned the relevance of linking an emergency involving possible loss of lives and destruction of property to the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“What exactly is the connection between a tanker explosion and the First Lady’s visit? Is a fire outbreak now a welcome ceremony?
“Our differences in politics should never deprive us of compassion. A tragedy is a tragedy, whether it happens under an APC, PDP or ADC administration.
“Elections will come and go. Political parties will disagree. But human lives are sacred and irreplaceable.
“The responsible thing at a time like this is to sympathise with the victims, appreciate those risking their lives to save others and encourage the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence.”
The council called on the appropriate authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, establish the cause, confirm the casualty figures and strengthen safety measures along major highways.
It also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps, fire services, emergency management agencies and relevant government institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fuel scooping and unsafe conduct around petroleum tankers.
Mayaki appealed to motorists, residents and community leaders to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid actions capable of obstructing rescue operations.
“Edo State belongs to all of us. Our humanity must always come before our politics.
“Once again, we sympathise with the affected families, appreciate the Chief Medical Director and entire management of UBTH, our firefighters and all emergency responders, and pray for the quick recovery of those receiving treatment.
“May God protect our people and spare Edo State from further tragedies.”
