The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), Hon. Jerry Idahosa has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the fire outbreak that occurred at Oba Market in Benin City.
The Commissioner of Police deployed officers to maintain order and to support firefighting efforts, while the Ministry of Public Security and Safety provided an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) bus to handle any eventualities. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, was also at the scene to oversee medical preparedness and ensure rapid medical response where necessary. Other Government Principals included the Director General of the Edo State Fire Service, Hon. Anthony Ojo and the Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, who both supervised and supported the firefighting and recovery operations.
Through the timely and coordinated inter-agency effort, the fire was successfully contained, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market.
Although no lives were lost, goods worth millions of Naira were completely destroyed. Hon. Idahosa in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Edo State Branch), the Oredo Local Government Council, and other relevant stakeholders, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of affected area to evaluate the extent of damage and commenced a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Speaking during the assessment, Hon. Idahosa sympathized with traders who suffered losses, and commended the swift collaboration among all Emergency Response Agencies. In his words, “Our visit today is to seal off the affected area and conduct a proper preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire. This will enable the State Government and relevant agencies to determine the exact cause and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence”.
Hon. Idahosa added that while early reports suggested that the fire might have been triggered by either a solar panel or a generator, the actual cause remains unconfirmed pending the outcome of the investigation. He assured that relief assistance would be provided to affected victims at the appropriate time and urged traders to remain calm as the Government continued assessment of the situation.
“EdoSEMA remains committed to improving the State’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods across Edo State”. He concluded.
One of the affected traders, Hon. Ayeki Edosowman, lamented her losses and appealed for urgent Government interventions, saying, “We have lost everything to this fire. Our source of livelihood has been destroyed. We are pleading with the State Government and well-meaning individuals to come to our rescue and help us rebuild what we have lost”.
Another victim, Mr. Christian Igwe, a trader on wholesale female wears, said the incident had left him completely devastated.
“I feel like dying. Everything I’ve worked for over the years is gone in a single night. I don’t even know where to start from”. He said.
Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Public Relations Officer
EdoSEMA
PHOTO CAPTION
Left: The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), Hon. Jerry Idahosa during an on-the-spot assessment of the fire outbreak that occurred at Oba Market in Benin City.
