Kwara Gov’t condoles victims of Ita Amodu fire disaster

…as SEMA takes stock of damaged properties

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Officials of the Kwara State Government on Tuesday visited the residents of Bilewu Compound in Ita Amodu, Ilorin South Local Government Area, following a fire disaster that occurred earlier in the day.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started when an overloaded truck came into contact with overhead electrical cables. The resulting inferno destroyed two residential buildings and eight shops.

A delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, included Senior Advisor and Counselor Sa’adu Salau; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Abdulrazhaq Jiddah; Special Assistant on Transport, Ibrahim Orire; Special Adviser on Party Affairs, Hon. Mashood Alaka; and the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Saadu Mashood Mogaji.

Speaking during the visit, Mahe explained that the trip was at the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to commiserate with the victims and assess the damage. He also announced that SEMA had been instructed to take an inventory of the affected properties.

“We are here on behalf of the Executive Governor of the state, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to sympathize with the Balogun Afin and his community, particularly those directly impacted by the fire disaster,” Mahe stated. “As soon as the Governor was informed of the incident, he immediately directed us to come and offer our condolences.”

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the community leader, Balogun Afin of Ilorin, Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad Nuhu, who expressed his appreciation for the government’s swift response.

“The Governor’s prompt reaction offers hope to the victims that assistance will come their way,” Balogun Afin said.

One of the affected residents, Mrs. Akukwe Florence Ebelechukwu, lamented the loss of goods worth millions of naira in her shop and appealed to the government and kind-hearted individuals for support.