By A middle-aged woman, identified only as Alhaja Balikis, has expressed her sorrow over the loss of ten shops and goods worth millions of naira following a devastating fire that destroyed more than 70 shops at the popular Alesinloye Market in Ibadan’s Southwest Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday, leaving traders reeling from their losses as they continued to assess the extent of the damage.
ALSO READ: https://stonixnews.com/just-in-massive-fire-outbreak-at-ibadan-market-causes-panic/
Balikis, who has resigned herself to the tragedy, explained that the fire started in two shops directly opposite the State Fire Service outpost at Alesinloye Market.
According to her, the inferno rapidly spread from these two shops, consuming over 70 others.
Governor Seyi Makinde
“Efforts to contain the fire and prevent further destruction were unsuccessful. Apart from arriving late at the scene, the fire service personnel also complained of inadequate equipment, particularly a lack of functional water tankers.
“Imagine—the Alesinloye Fire Service outstation does not even have a working fire truck.
“The scale of destruction could have been prevented if the fire service had lived up to its responsibility.
“At present, no fewer than three affected traders are receiving medical treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
“We depend on bank loans. With this incident, our debts to various financial institutions have become overwhelming.
“We are appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to come to our aid.”
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has assured the victims of its support.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected section of the market, Deputy Governor Barr. Adebayo Lawal described the incident as unfortunate.
He ordered an immediate preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire, stating that the findings would help the government make informed decisions in the best interests of those affected.
Additionally, he directed the local government chairman, Hon. Kehinde Akande, to provide immediate logistical support to the affected traders. He also promised that the state government, through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), would provide relief materials.
Lawal urged representatives of the traders and their leadership to quickly compile and submit a report detailing the number of shops and goods damaged in the fire to facilitate swift government intervention.
Speaking on the incident, the Babaloja of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, assured traders that the government would come to their aid.
“Engineer Makinde is a listening governor. I will take this matter to him, and I assure you that you will receive a favourable response,” he said.
Nigerian Tribune
What's your reaction?
