As fire disasters continue to wreak havoc in some markets in Oyo State, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has called on market leaders and other stakeholders to imbibe safety measures and protocols in their operations to prevent disasters that may lead to loss of lives and property across markets in the state.
Reacting to the fire incident at Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan which reportedly gutted over 90 shops and injured three traders, the monarch said, “I am not happy with the spate of fire disasters in market and other places in Ibadan and Oyo State. It is too frequent for comfort.
“My call is for the managers of markets to develop and implement stringent safety protocols and measures in our markets to stem the tide of incessant fire outbreaks and other disasters.
“Lives and property are precious. It is imperative that we protect and preserve both for sustainable living and economic development. All stakeholders must work together to prevent and mitigate this negative life and economic threatening trend.”
The paramount ruler sympathised with traders in Aleshinloye Market whose goods and wares were destroyed in the recent inferno, praying to God to replenish them while also pleading with the government to see how it could mitigate the attendant losses.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has directed the victims to cooperate with the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA) for a full enumeration and verification of the victims.
Oyo State deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, gave this directive when he hosted the plastic and cooler sellers from Alesinloye Market, who were mostly affected by the fire incident.
The deputy governor directed the Oyo SEMA to embark on a full enumeration and verification of victims with a view to getting a credible figure, warning the victims to be wary of who they speak with and how they present facts so as not to confuse the system.
He reiterated that the state government would provide support to the victims, adding that bulldozers had already been deployed to the site to clear the rubble and ensure that the place is put in order.
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