The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its Benin Operations Office to lead a rapid, multi-agency response following a tanker fire and explosions along the Auchi–Jattu Road in Auchi, Edo State, with authorities confirming that no fatalities were recorded.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, ordered the activation on Tuesday after a distress alert from the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) over the incident, which occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on December 17, 2025. The tanker reportedly lost control and fell, spilling its contents into an underground drainage system and triggering multiple explosions at different points along the channel, causing widespread panic in the area.
NEMA’s Benin Operations Office immediately commenced coordination with Edo SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), and military authorities in Auchi to contain the situation, manage evacuations, and support emergency medical response.
Preliminary assessments show that 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to medical facilities across Auchi and neighbouring areas. At the Teaching Hospital, three male victims were admitted with lacerations and third-degree burns. Amazing Grace Clinic treated 12 victims—10 males and two females—with injuries ranging from first- to third-degree burns, shock, and lacerations.
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At Unique Medical Centre on Obe Street, four male victims with lacerations were treated, stitched, and discharged. City Hospital on Warrake Road admitted two victims, a father and daughter, with deep cuts, lacerations, and minor burns, while Winners Hospital at Olele Junction treated four male victims, including cases of third-degree burns, head injury with nasal bleeding, and minor bruises.
NEMA said it is maintaining close monitoring of the situation in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, sustained medical care for the injured, and a timely response to any emerging needs. The agency added that further updates would be provided as response efforts continue.
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