𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼: 𝗢𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼--𝗔𝗶𝘆𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘄𝗮 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲, 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀

By NigerDelta Voice,

Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered an investigation into the recurring fire outbreaks at Sabo Market in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, while pledging government support for traders who lost shops and goods in the latest inferno.

The fire outbreak, which occurred on August 12, destroyed several shops and valuable goods, leaving affected traders with significant financial losses.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who inspected the affected market on Tuesday, August 18, sympathised with the victims and expressed relief that no life was lost in the incident.

The governor commended firefighters and residents for their swift response, which he said prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the market.

“I acknowledge and thank all our firefighters for their quick response to ensure that this fire did not escalate more than this,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He noted that although valuable properties were lost, the prompt intervention of firefighters, supported by residents, helped contain the situation.

The governor disclosed that the Ondo State emergency agency had visited the market to assess the extent of the damage, document the losses and identify affected traders.

According to him, government would determine the appropriate intervention after the assessment is completed.

“The emergency agency of the state government has been here to take note and account of all that have been destroyed and those who are affected. They are doing their calculation; in due time, they will respond to support the people,” he said.

Government to Address Water Shortage

Aiyedatiwa also promised immediate government attention to the water shortage in the area, which reportedly affected efforts to combat the fire.

He directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation to identify suitable locations for boreholes, assuring residents that approval would be given promptly.

“I’m promising you today, the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation will visit and look at locations where they have to sink the boreholes and that will be approved immediately. Not just for firefighting but also for your use,” the governor said.

He urged traders and residents to adopt greater fire-safety measures, particularly by switching off electrical appliances and other potential sources of fire before leaving their shops or retiring for the night.

Government Orders Investigation

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, disclosed that the government would investigate the remote causes of the fire.

Takuro described the development as a matter requiring urgent attention, noting that the latest incident was reportedly the third fire outbreak at the market within two years.

He said previous incidents had occurred without concrete explanations being established regarding their causes.

“So, at this time, it is very important for us to dig to the roots of the causes of these problems so that we can be able to know what to do next,” Takuro said.

Council Chairman, Iyaloja Seek Assistance

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Michael Adegoroye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for visiting the market and expressing his commitment to supporting the affected traders.

Adegoroye described Sabo Market as one of the major commercial centres in Ondo State, stressing its contribution to the internally generated revenue of both the state and local government.

The Iyaloja of Ore, Chief Eniola Ogunlana, who spoke on behalf of the affected traders, described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to the government to assist the victims.

She said many of the affected traders depend entirely on their businesses at the market for their livelihoods.

The governor’s visit and the planned investigation are expected to provide further clarity on the cause of the recurring fires and guide measures to prevent future incidents at the market.