Multiple Explosions Rock Auchi, Properties Destroyed in Edo Community

Multiple explosions on Wednesday evening shook Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, causing widespread panic and destruction of property.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the explosions occurred at about 6:30pm in three different locations across the town. NAN reports that the first blast was recorded along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, while the third occurred along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.

“The explosions occurred almost simultaneously in different parts of Auchi,” an eyewitness told NAN on condition of anonymity.

Properties worth millions of naira, including buildings and shops, were reportedly destroyed in the affected areas. As of the time of filing the report, the number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed.

The eyewitness described the incident as an alleged coordinated attack on the Auchi community and stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence.

NAN further reports that a fuel tanker fell along the expressway, leading some residents to scramble to scoop fuel from the scene. The situation prompted swift intervention by the Police Area Commander in Auchi, who mobilised officers to disperse the crowd and avert a possible explosion as tension mounted.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, told NAN that the explosions followed the tanker accident.

“The incident occurred at about 6:30pm following the fall of a fuel tanker along the road,” she said.

ASP Ikoedem explained that spilled fuel seeped into underground channels and later ignited, triggering three explosions in different parts of the Auchi community.

She added that officers from the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters and the Area Command were immediately deployed to cordon off the affected areas to prevent loss of lives.

The police have assured residents that the situation is under control as investigations continue.

(NAN)

Author

Funmi Adewoju Suleodu

Olufunmilayo Adewoju Suleodu is a veteran journalist, editor, and publisher with more than three decades of experience in journalism, communications, and public affairs.

She has worked across news media, magazine publishing, communications, development-sector engagements, and digital journalism. She currently publishes SageBits Online and reports on governance, development, business, education, traditional institutions, and public affairs.

She is also an elected officer of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun East Independent Chapel, reflecting her continued engagement with the journalism profession and media development.

Based in Ogun State, she is available for freelance reporting, feature writing, editorial assignments, research, project documentation, and development communications work.

Detailed professional history and references are available upon request.

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