Multiple explosions on Wednesday evening rocked Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, causing widespread panic and damage to properties.
The explosions occurred at about 6:30 p.m. in three locations across the town.
The first blast was reported 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.
Residents reported that the explosions occurred almost simultaneously, raising initial fears of a coordinated attack.
Several buildings and shops were damaged across the affected areas, with property losses estimated in the millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident appeared planned, calling for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
However, the Edo State Police Command has provided clarification on the cause of the explosions.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, explaining that a fuel tanker fell along the expressway, spilling fuel that seeped into underground tunnels.
According to the police, the trapped fuel later ignited, resulting in the explosions in different parts of the Auchi community.
Police officers from the Auchi Divisional Headquarters and the Area Command were immediately deployed to cordon off the affected areas and prevent further loss of life, especially as residents had begun gathering to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
