IBADAN — Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, has visited the Jankara Iso Arobo Market in Oranyan, Ibadan, following the devastating fire outbreak that destroyed shops and goods at the market on Sunday night.
Lawal, who visited the scene on Monday, August 24, expressed sympathy with traders whose businesses and property were affected by the inferno, assuring them that the state government would take appropriate steps to support victims of the disaster.
The acting governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Trade, Investments and Cooperatives, Prof. Salihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Information and Public Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; as well as officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Received by the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, and other market leaders, Lawal described the scale of destruction as massive and said government would conduct a thorough assessment to establish the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate intervention.
He expressed gratitude that the incident did not result in any loss of life, despite the severity and duration of the fire.
“We must thank God Almighty that despite the magnitude of the inferno, no life was lost. From different accounts, the fire started around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and continued until the early hours of Monday. The extent of the damage is massive,” he said.
Lawal explained that the visit was aimed at sympathising with the affected traders, obtaining firsthand information about the disaster and determining the number of stalls and business owners affected.
According to him, the presence of NEMA and SEMA officials would facilitate a comprehensive assessment that could form the basis for recommendations to both the state and federal governments on the assistance required.
“I came along with NEMA and SEMA officials, as well as commissioners, to help assess the extent of damage. This will enable recommendations to both the state and federal governments for necessary support,” the Acting Governor stated.
He further directed that accurate data on the affected traders and shops be compiled in collaboration with the market leadership to ensure that government intervention reaches the genuine victims.
Lawal said the Babaloja-General would work with the traders to establish the number of stalls destroyed, the traders affected and the specific forms of assistance required.
“Alhaji Yekeen Abbas will liaise with traders to ensure no stone is left unturned in determining the number of stalls and people affected, and in identifying the support required,” he added.
The visit is expected to pave the way for a coordinated government response to the disaster and measures aimed at helping affected traders recover from the losses suffered in the fire.
