By Adeyinka Adeniran
At least a minimum of 500 shops were razed by the fire incident that occured at Aleshinloye market, Ibadan Southwest local government area, the National Emergency Management Agency, South-West zone has said.
This is as the Agency said the efforts to control the fire were hampered by challenges of absence of a functional fire trucks at the market’s fire station as well as an inadequate water supply.
Speaking after conducting an on the spot assessment, the zonal coordinator, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju said despite the challenges faced, the responders including the State Fire Services, their Sumal and Sweetco counterparts were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the other parts of the markets
He added that the initial assessment of the incident, put the recorded losses at hundred of millions of naira, adding that some of the affected traders took delivery of the plastic wares a day prior to the incident.
The Zonal coordinator maintained that the inferno has disrupted economic activity at the market.
He said, “No fatalities were recorded. However, several individuals sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation and shock while attempting to salvage their goods. However, over 500 shops and stalls were destroyed.
“Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire started in the Plastic Merchants section of the market before rapidly spreading to surrounding stalls due to the highly flammable nature of stored goods.
“Emergency response teams included the state Fire Service, private fire units from SWEETCO and SUMAL, market security personnel and local volunteers.
“Efforts to control the fire were hampered by challenges such as the absence of a functional fire trucks at the market’s fire station and an inadequate water supply. Despite these setbacks, responders successfully prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the market.
“To mitigate the risk of future occurrences, NEMA recommends the following, strengthening fire safety measures, equipping market fire stations with functional fire trucks and adequate water supply, conducting regular fire drills and safety training for traders, enhancing emergency response infrastructure, establishing a well-equipped emergency response unit within the market.
“Strengthening partnerships between the Federal and State Governments and private organizations to improve disaster response, supporting affected trader, providing emergency relief packages to help traders recover.”
