Osun: Govt sympathises with communities, traders, as fire destroys property worth millions in Atakumosa market
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Government has sympathised with the residents of the state following the fire incident that destroyed goods worth millions of naira at Atakumosa Central Market in Ilesa.
It would be recalled that the State Government under the watch of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had commissioned the new market after the old one was destroyed in a similar fire outbreak some years back.
The fire outbreak that occurred at early hours on Sunday was said to have affected about 13 lock-up shops, destroyed goods and property worth millions of Naira, started at the Post Office section of the market.
According to an eyewitnesses, the personnel of the Federal and Osun State Fire Services made frantic efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the market.
It was gathered that combined team of men and officers from Ayeso A and Ijamo B Divisions of the Nigerian Police were on ground to prevent looting during efforts to salvage goods.
Mrs. Funke Egbemode, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, in a statement signed yesterday, bemoaned the development.
Egbemode described the incident as unfortunate situation that happened at a time the government was committed to economic development and prosperity of the State.
Osun Government, however, said that investigations have been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak in a bid to forestall a recurrence.
The Government also enjoined citizens to be more safety-conscious in their handling of electrical appliances and other things that can trigger fire outbreak.
Osun Government also commended all securities personnel and fire-fighters that were present at the incident.
“The tragic fire incident that razed Atakumosa Central Market in the early hours of Sunday morning was tragic and painful. At a time our businesses were just recovering from the debilitating effects of COVID-19 on the economy , this fire incident couldn’t have come at a worse time.
“On behalf of the government of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, we sympathise with the traders who suffered losses in this tragedy. We share their pain and pray they never have to walk this painful path again.
“We express our sincere sympathy to the entire Ijesha community and indeed the people of Osun State on this painful incident.”
The Governor also appreciates the efforts of the Police and firefighters who rose to the occasion and prevented the fire from spreading, the statement said.
