Fire Guts Offa Owode Market, 50 Shops Burnt,  ….Kwara Gov, Speaker, Senator Commiserate With Traders

 

By Taiwo Ogunniyi

Commodities and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed as a fire gutted Owode Market in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State recently

It was gathered that the cause of the fire outbreak at Owode Market, a commercial hub housing 3820 shops, was sparked by a dropped cigarette, igniting combustible materials.

Reacting to the incident, the HOD. Media and Publicity, Kwara State Fire Service
Hassan Hakeem Adekunle in a statement issued to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital, said, “In a commendable display of promptness and efficiency, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a devastating fire outbreak at Owode Market in Offa Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024.

Upon receiving the distress call at approximately 02:30 hours, a team led by ACF Oyeyipo James immediately sprang into action. Arriving at the scene, they were met with a harrowing sight, numerous shops ablaze, with federal firefighting counterparts already engaged in combating the inferno.

Undeterred, the Kwara State Fire Service personnel joined forces with their federal counterparts, deploying two fire appliances from different stations to effectively tackle the raging blaze.”

“The collaborative efforts of the firefighting teams proved instrumental in bringing the situation under control. Despite the daunting challenge, it took a concerted five-hour-long battle to fully extinguish the flames, ensuring the safety of lives and properties within the vicinity.

Initial assessments revealed that Owode Market, a bustling commercial hub housing 3820 shops and 1180 stands, remarkably suffered minimal damage. Only 50 shops bore the brunt of the inferno, thanks to the swift response and decisive actions of the Fire Service.

The value of commodities and properties salvaged by the firefighting efforts is estimated to exceed 12 billion naira, providing significant relief amidst the crisis. However, the unfortunate incident resulted in property losses amounting to 360 million naira.

Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that the fire was sparked by a dropped cigarette, igniting combustible materials, underscoring the critical importance of fire safety awareness and preventive measures.

In response to the ordeal, Prince Falade John, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, extended heartfelt sympathies to the market vendors who suffered losses and the entire market community.

He expressed optimism for the restoration of lost properties and emphasized the imperative of maintaining vigilance and safety consciousness at all times.

As Owode Market recovers from the aftermath of the fire, the resilience and decisive action demonstrated by the Kwara State Fire Service serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to public safety and welfare.” He said

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sent his heartfelt condolences to the people of Offa, especially the business community, on the unfortunate fire incident at the popular Owode market.

The Governor says the development was one tragedy too many, adding that a team from the state emergency management agency has since visited the market to take stock of the situation as well as deliver the government’s commiserations to the traders.

In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye and made available to newsmen in Ilorin Kwara State, he said the fire incident again highlights the need for all stakeholders to be more proactive in preventing such outbreaks at home or in the marketplace.

While commending the fire service for their prompt response, he directs the Service to work more closely with marketers on modern fire prevention mechanisms and preparedness.

The Governor prays to God to recompense the traders for their losses.

Also, Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu also sympathized with the Offa community and said, “I am deeply sorry to hear about the inferno that has affected the Owode market in Offa, leading to several million Naira in losses.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted by this tragic event and, by extension, the Offa community. I also commiserate with the Olofa offa; Ọba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye, It is indeed heartbreaking to witness such devastation, I also commend the fire service for their rescue efforts, which helped minimize the loss.

As the representatives of the people, we will work with the relevant stakeholders to bring succor to the victims, and as the government, we will continue to raise awareness on proactive measures to forestall the recurrence of such inferno.”

Also, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has extended his sympathy to victims of the Owode Market fire outbreak in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The inferno occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying no fewer than 50 shops.

In a statement released by his media assistant, Nasif Sholagberu, Senator Mustapha expressed deep sadness and sympathy for the victims and the entire Offa community.

He sympathised with the Olofa of Offa, HRH Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, and the entire people of the ancient city of Offa on the fire incident.

He also pledged to join hands with the Kwara State Government on efforts geared towards rebuilding the market in record time.

The Turaki of Ilorin noted that he shares in the pain of the marketers who lost their wares and belongings in the unfortunate incident.

He equally commended the professionalism displayed by the firefighters in containing the fire disaster.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fire and the setbacks it has caused the victims, who have lost what they worked so hard to build. May Allah compensate all those affected by the incident and grant them increased strength to endure this loss,” the statement added.
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