UPDATE: Aiyedatiwa orders probe into Ondo market fire, promises aid for victims

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered an investigation into the recurring fire outbreaks at Sabo Market in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, following the latest inferno that destroyed 14 shops and goods worth millions of naira.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday when he visited the market to assess the damage caused by the August 12 fire and sympathised with the affected traders.

He also promised government assistance for the victims after a comprehensive assessment of their losses, while the state emergency agency commenced documentation of damaged shops and affected traders to guide the intervention.

Aiyedatiwa said no life was lost in the incident, adding that firefighters responded with support from residents to put out the blaze and prevent further destruction.

Meanwhile, the governor directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation to identify suitable locations for boreholes in the area to address firefighting challenges and improve access to water for residents.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the government would investigate the cause of the latest fire, noting that it was the third incident recorded at the market within two years. According to Takuro, the government must identify the root causes of the recurring incidents to determine appropriate measures to prevent further outbreaks.

The Iyaloja of Ore, Eniola Ogunlana, meanwhile, appealed to the state government to assist the affected traders, stressing that many of them depended entirely on the market for their livelihoods.

Western Post reported a few days ago that traders in Ore were counting their losses after fire destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira at the market.