Shock, destruction as multiple explosions rock Edo

Multiple explosions on Wednesday rocked Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent reports that multiple explosions occurred in three different areas of Auchi at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

NAN observed that the first blast 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.

As of the time of filing the report, the cause of the explosions was unknown, and the number of deaths or casualties could not be ascertained.

An eyewitness, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the explosions occurred almost simultaneously in different parts of Auchi.

The eye witness added that the blasts appeared to have been coordinated.

The eyewitness described the incident as allegedly planned attack on the Auchi community and stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

NAN further reports that a fuel tanker fell along the expressway, prompting residents to scramble to scoop fuel.

It took the intervention of the Police Area Commander in Auchi, who mobilised officers to the scene to prevent a possible explosion as the crowd continued to grow.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command of the Nigeria Police Force, in Edo, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the explosions to NAN.

Ikoedem said the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. following the fall of a fuel tanker along the road.

She explained that spilled fuel seeped into underground tunnels, which later ignited and caused three explosions in different parts of the Auchi community.

According to her, officers from the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters and the Area Command were mobilised to the affected areas and successfully cordoned them off to prevent loss of lives. (NAN)