By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Governor, Senato Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Deputy Governor,
and other officials, on Friday, October 16, 2026, visited severe burn victims of a recent fuel tanker explosion receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
During the visit, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu briefed the delegation on the medical care being provided to the remaining survivors out of the eleven initially admitted.
Governor Okpebholo expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offered condolences to the affected families, and highlighted his administration’s commitment to the citizens’ welfare.
In a related development, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, also received a delegation from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (Edo SEMA) who were on ground to visit victims of the recent fuel tanker explosion on the Benin-Lagos road, currently hospitalized at UBTH.
The Assistant Chief Relief and Rehabilitation Officer for NEMA, Mr. Joseph Akpofabe, along with his team, joined the visit to assess the condition of those hospitalized with severe burns.
Also present was Mr. Odion Edoseghe, Team Lead for Edo SEMA and Personal Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, to evaluate the ongoing emergency response and support efforts.