The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that rocked Oluku Community along the Benin–Lagos Highway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, describing the incident as a devastating tragedy that demands urgent action to prevent future occurrences.
In a statement signed by its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Otite Onohwohwo, the union extended its heartfelt condolences to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government, affected families, and residents of the community following the loss of lives, injuries, and destruction caused by the inferno.
NUPENG said the incident has thrown its leadership and members into mourning, stressing that the recurring nature of tanker-related disasters highlights the need for stronger road safety interventions and improved infrastructure across the country.
The union lamented that such incidents continue to claim lives despite sustained efforts by stakeholders and safety agencies to educate members of the public on the dangers of approaching accident scenes and scooping spilled petroleum products.
According to NUPENG, the Oluku tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for governments at all levels to address the deteriorating condition of major highways and implement lasting preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.
The union also commended first responders, emergency workers, and medical personnel for their swift response to the disaster, noting that their intervention helped mitigate the impact of the incident.
“NUPENG remains steadfast in its commitment to building a safer transportation ecosystem and will continue to collaborate with governments and relevant stakeholders to prevent avoidable tragedies on our roads,” the statement said.
The union further called on Nigerians to prioritize safety, remain vigilant during emergencies, and avoid actions that could worsen accident situations.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the victims and the people of Edo State, NUPENG maintained that collective action by government agencies, communities, transport operators, and citizens remains critical to ending the cycle of tanker explosions and related fatalities across the country.
“Our solidarity remains constant, for the Union makes us strong,” the statement concluded.
