The Delta State Government has started paying financial compensation to victims of the January 5, 2025 diesel tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state. The inferno destroyed property worth millions of naira and claimed several lives.

The State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, said the humane gesture was in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of all Deltans, as encapsulated in the MORE Agenda. He expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing the necessary platform to enable the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond effectively to various disasters across the state.

Etacherure called on the victims to make judicious use of the financial assistance, noting that the funds might not cover all their losses. “Let me make it clear that the amount allocated to each victim is not a compensation for the losses suffered, but a way of identifying with the victims and cushioning the effect of the disaster on them. We hope it will go a long way in easing the burden caused by the incident,” he said.

On behalf of the victims, Mr. Sunday Omoruyi thanked the state government for its prompt response, saying they had not expected any form of compensation so soon. The cheques were presented to the victims by the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prince Gregory Ejohwomu.