Ondo governor orders probe into market fire, promises aid to victims

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered an investigation into the cause of a fire that ravaged parts of Sabo Market in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area. The inferno, which occurred on August 12, resulted in the destruction of numerous shops and goods, inflicting substantial financial losses on traders.

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A lot of valuables have been lost but no life was lost. Our men responded with the support of the people in the neighbourhood to ensure that the fire was put off.

Governor Aiyedatiwa visited the market on Tuesday to assess the damage and offer sympathy to those affected. He expressed relief that no lives were lost and commended firefighters and local residents for their swift actions in containing the blaze. "A lot of valuables have been lost but no life was lost. Our men responded with the support of the people in the neighbourhood to ensure that the fire was put off," he stated.

The State Emergency Management Agency has been tasked with assessing and documenting the extent of the damage and identifying all affected traders. Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the victims that the government would provide support once the assessment is complete. "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.

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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.

Additionally, the governor promised to address the water scarcity that hindered firefighting operations. He directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation to identify suitable locations for boreholes in the area, stating, "Not just for firefighting but also for your use." He urged traders and residents to remain vigilant and take precautions against fire outbreaks, such as switching off electrical appliances before leaving their premises.

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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.