Multiple explosions on Wednesday rocked Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo.
Multiple explosions occurred in three different areas of Auchi at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The first blast occurred along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, and the third along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.
Properties worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed, including buildings and shops, across the three affected areas.
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 said the explosions occurred almost simultaneously in different parts of Auchi, adding the blasts appeared to have been coordinated, and describing the incident as an allegedly planned attack on the Auchi community.
The witness stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
A fuel tanker overturned on the expressway, prompting residents to scramble to scoop up 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.
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, causing 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.
