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The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed grief over the tanker explosion that rocked Oluku community along the Benin-Lagos highway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, calling for urgent and sustained action to prevent similar tragedies.
The explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, leaving deaths, injuries and destruction in its wake, according to a statement issued by the union at the weekend.
NUPENG, in the statement signed by its Acting-General Secretary, Otite Onohwohwo, extended its condolences to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and residents of the affected Oluku community.
The union described the incident as a painful tragedy that had plunged its leadership and members into collective mourning, while expressing solidarity with families who lost loved ones and others affected by the disaster.
“The loss of lives, the injuries sustained, and the destruction of properties in this incident have left our Union’s leadership and membership in a state of collective mourning,” the statement said.
The union prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion, while assuring affected families and communities of its support during the difficult period.
Beyond expressing condolences, NUPENG said the tragedy had again highlighted the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of major roads, particularly in Edo State and other parts of the country.
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The union reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Edo State Government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures and improve safety across the nation’s transportation system.
It stressed that sustained attention to road conditions was critical to reducing the risk of fatal accidents, urging authorities and stakeholders to take immediate steps to address infrastructure challenges that could contribute to road tragedies.
NUPENG also expressed concern that fatal incidents continued to occur despite its collaboration with safety agencies to educate members of the public on the dangers of scooping fuel and other flammable substances from accident scenes.
The union warned against the dangerous practice, which exposes people to the risk of fires and explosions, and urged Nigerians to exercise caution and stay away from accident scenes involving spilled petroleum products.
It also commended first responders and medical personnel for their prompt intervention following the Oluku incident, while calling on citizens to make safety a priority and remain vigilant to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“NUPENG remains steadfast in its pursuit of a safer transportation ecosystem and calls upon all Nigerians to prioritize safety and maintain vigilance,” the union said, adding that collective action was necessary to eradicate preventable tragedies. It concluded with its solidarity message: “For the Union makes us strong!”
