Acting Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, on Monday, paid a visit to the Jankara Iso Arobo Market in Oranyan, Ibadan, and promised support for victims of the fire incidents that happened there on Sunday.
He sympathised with traders who lost goods and property in the incident, and assured shop owners and traders that the state government would provide adequate intervention and support.
Lawal was accompanied by the Commissioner for Trade, Investments and Cooperatives, Professor Salihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Information and Public Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Oranyan market fire and support for victims
The acting governor was received during the assessment visit by the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, alongside market leaders.
He lamented the scale of destruction at the market and pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
Expressing gratitude that no life was lost, he said: “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 explained that the visit was to commiserate with the traders, assess the situation firsthand, and gather accurate information on the number of stalls and traders affected to guide government assistance.
“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,” he stated.
Lawal added that the government would work closely with the Babaloja-General to obtain precise data on those affected by the fire outbreak.
“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 concluded.
