By Idris Rufai
Our society is gradually losing the ability to distinguish between danger and opportunity. What should ordinarily make us run for our lives has, sadly, become an opportunity for some people to risk everything in pursuit of immediate gain. The tragic petrol tanker explosion and fire incident at Oluku Market, Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, is a painful reminder of this disturbing reality.
The incident, reportedly triggered when a petrol tanker fell near the busy market, should compel us to reflect deeply on our attitude towards safety, human life and the desperate struggle for survival in our society.
The question we must ask ourselves is this: Why should a disaster become an opportunity to some people?
When a petrol tanker falls and its contents begin to spill, the natural response should be to move away from the scene as quickly as possible. Yet, in our society today, some people see such a dangerous situation as an opportunity to collect fuel, ignoring the possibility of an explosion that could cost them their lives.
Should we call it ignorance, greed, desperation or a combination of all three? Whatever the explanation, the consequences can be devastating.
The painful truth is that we seem to have forgotten the lessons of previous tragedies, including the Jesse fuel explosion in Delta State many years ago. Such incidents should have taught us that spilled petrol is not a gift, and a fallen tanker is not an opportunity to become wealthy. It is a serious danger that demands immediate caution.
Unfortunately, the harsh economic realities facing many Nigerians have made survival increasingly difficult. Poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living have pushed many people into desperate situations. However, no economic hardship should make us gamble with our lives. What is the value of collecting a few litres of fuel if the price could be one’s life?
It is heartbreaking to imagine the number of people who left their homes that Thursday morning, hoping to earn a living, sell their goods or provide for their families, only for their journeys to end in tragedy.
Behind every life lost is a family whose world may never remain the same. Behind every injured victim is a story of pain, uncertainty and struggle. Behind every destroyed property is someone’s investment, sacrifice and hope for a better future.
As we mourn the victims of the Oluku Market tragedy, we must also reflect on our collective responsibility to prevent similar disasters. Public education on the dangers of approaching fallen tankers, stricter safety enforcement, responsible emergency response and greater awareness among market traders and residents are essential.
Our communities must understand that whenever a tanker falls and fuel begins to spill, the priority is not to collect the fuel but to protect human lives. People should move away from the scene, avoid anything that could ignite the fuel and alert the appropriate emergency services.
We must also address the poverty and economic desperation that make dangerous risks appear attractive to some people. While poverty does not justify reckless behaviour, a society that leaves its citizens struggling to survive must recognise the importance of creating safer economic opportunities and strengthening public safety awareness.
Life is more valuable than any material gain, and no opportunity is worth dying for.
The Oluku Market tragedy should not become another painful event that captures public attention for a few days before we return to our usual habits. It should serve as a lasting lesson to individuals, families, market associations, community leaders and government authorities.
With a heavy heart, I extend my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. May God grant them the strength to endure this painful loss, comfort the injured and bring healing to the affected community.
The tragedy is a painful loss to Benin City, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Let us learn to recognise danger for what it is, rather than mistake it for an opportunity. Our lives matter, our families need us, and our nation cannot afford to keep losing its citizens to preventable tragedies.
May the Oluku Market tanker explosion be a turning point in our attitude towards safety, human life and the choices we make in moments of danger.
– Idris Rufai
idrisrufai744@gmail.com
