Breaking: Panic as Explosions Rock Auchi, Edo State, Video Trends
- A fuel tanker has overturned and caused multiple explosions in Nigeria’s southern Edo State, according to the law enforcement agents
- The vehicle skidded off the road and spilt petrol, which ignited shortly after the crash, Legit.ng gathered on Wednesday, December 17
- However, an eyewitness suggested that the incident might have been bomb blasts, sending a strong message to authorities
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Auchi, Edo State - Explosions shook Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State, on Wednesday evening, December 17.
As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the blasts occurred in three different areas of Auchi around 6:30 p.m.
Source: Original
Explosions in Auchi, Edo State
The first blast reportedly occurred along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, while the third explosion occurred along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.
Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, including buildings and shops, across the affected areas.
It could not be immediately confirmed whether there were any fatalities.
Per Vanguard, a fuel tanker fell, prompting residents to scramble to scoop fuel.
A credible source at the Auchi Divisional Police Station revealed that the spilt petrol, which had seeped into drainage tunnels, later exploded at multiple locations.
Eyewitness speaks on Auchi explosions
Meanwhile, an eyewitness, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the explosions occurred nearly simultaneously in different parts of Auchi, suggesting the blasts might have been coordinated.
The eyewitness described the incident as a purportedly planned attack on the Auchi community and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The video can be watched below:
Legit.ng reports that deadly incidents involving petroleum products are common in Africa’s most populous country, where a lack of pipeline infrastructure means fossil fuels are transported by road.
Poorly maintained roads riddled with potholes contribute to frequent accidents that kill dozens of people yearly.
Source: Facebook
The price of petrol in Nigeria has soared more than 300 percent since President Bola Tinubu scrapped a decades-old subsidy when he came into office in May 2023. This has led many to risk their lives to recover fuel during tanker truck accidents.
Read more Edo State news:
- Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo removes top aide
- Edo Carnival 2025: Organisers promise a week of culture, colour, and celebration
- Edo Council officials ordered to wear Tinubu-branded cap during events
- Edo: Oba of Benin calls for two-week fast, prayer, gives reason
40 deaths recorded in Niger explosion
Legit.ng earlier reported that no less than 40 people died after a fuel tanker exploded along Essa axis on Agaie–Bida Road in Katcha LGA of Niger State.
The incident was confirmed by the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Hajiya Aishatu Sa’adu.
The fire service reacted, urging Nigerians "to prioritise safety and vigilance at all times," adding that it is a collective responsibility.
Source: Legit.ng
