The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has mourned the victims of the tanker explosion at Oluku, along the Benin–Lagos Highway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, calling for comprehensive measures to prevent a recurrence.

The explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, leaving people dead and injured and causing extensive damage to property in the affected community.

In a condolence message to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and residents of Oluku, the union expressed sympathy with bereaved families and others affected by the incident.

NUPENG’s Acting General Secretary, Comrade Otite Onohwohwo, said the tragedy had left the union’s leadership and members deeply saddened. He extended the organisation’s solidarity to affected families and communities, while praying for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of those injured.

The union said the incident highlighted the urgent need for sustained action to address the deteriorating condition of major roads in Edo State and other parts of the country. It stressed that road infrastructure deficiencies posed serious risks to motorists, transport operators and nearby communities.

NUPENG also expressed concern that fatal incidents involving spilled petroleum products continued to occur despite ongoing collaboration with safety agencies to educate the public about the dangers of approaching accident scenes to collect fuel.

It called for stronger public awareness campaigns and more effective preventive measures to discourage the practice, which can expose people to fires, explosions and other life-threatening hazards.

The union reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Edo State Government, relevant safety agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen road safety and emergency prevention measures.

It also commended first responders and medical personnel for their intervention following the explosion, acknowledging their efforts to assist victims and manage the aftermath.

The incident has renewed concerns about road conditions, tanker safety and the risks posed by fuel collection at accident scenes. Reports indicated that the tanker had fallen along the highway before spilled petrol was collected by residents and passers-by, after which a fire broke out.

NUPENG’s appeal underscores the need for coordinated action involving improved roads, public education, safer handling of petroleum products and effective emergency responses to reduce the likelihood of similar disasters.