Traders who were hit by the petrol tanker fire that destroyed parts of the Oluku Market, along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for responding quickly, as evacuation of debris and clearing work continues at the site.

Many of them lost shops, goods and their only source of income. They said the governor’s promised intervention gave them some hope, and they want the promised rebuilding to start without delay.

One of the traders, Julie Ologbosere, told journalists that the governor listened when they cried out. “Our baba Okpebholo E do well, when we cry go meet am he really answer our cry. He say make we no worry. He no even let one week reach, the second day after the fire na he start work for here so,” she said.

Another trader, Yunusa Usman, called the governor a father to the people of Edo State.

He thanked him for acting promptly and prayed for God’s blessings on him.

Isaac Orina also thanked the governor, but appealed for the market to be rebuilt as soon as possible.

He said life had been hard since the fire, which had shut down their businesses and cut off their means of survival.

Popular businessman and philanthropist, Mr Adun Osamede, widely known as Bob Izua, visited the site while clearing was ongoing and also praised the governor’s handling of the matter.

He asked the affected market women to be patient and to stay off the expressway, for their own safety so that work could go on without interruption.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier visited the market and promised that reconstruction would begin within one week.

The fire followed a petrol tanker explosion at Oluku Junction last Thursday, leaving many traders counting their losses.

For now, the traders say they are waiting and hoping that the pledge will be kept, so they can return to business and begin to recover.