The Ogun State Government has pledged a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed 15 shops and goods worth millions of naira at the Oba Lipede International Market in Kuto, Abeokuta, on Saturday night.
According to The PUNCH, Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, announced this during a visit to the market on Monday.
He emphasized that the investigation aims to identify the cause of the fire and find ways to prevent future incidents.
Sofela stated, “Experts will be deployed to conduct an integrity test on the building of the market to determine the impact of the fire, while the government will also not delay the rehabilitation of parts of the market affected by the inferno.”
Accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola, market board officials, and Iyaloja Mrs. Tejumade Bakre, Sofela noted the main building, constructed over 43 years ago, would be preserved and maintained due to its significant economic value to state residents.
He reassured residents that Governor Dapo Abiodun would introduce measures to alleviate the losses suffered by traders due to the fire.
The market leader, Mrs. Tejumade Bakre, condemned the looting that occurred shortly after the fire and expressed gratitude to the government and security agents for their assistance.
The fire, which began around 10:15 pm on Saturday, was reportedly triggered by the explosion of a gas-powered generator owned by a market businessman.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape, informed the press on Sunday that 15 shops were affected.
She added that the fire started in illegal structures outside the market and spread to the main building, suggesting that the government might demolish these shanties to restore order and safety.
