PHOTOS: Aiyedatiwa assesses Ondo market fire damage as victims seek aid

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dispatched an investigation to determine the origin of the fire that ravaged parts of Sabo Market in Odigbo Local Government Area. The blaze, which took place on August 12, razed several traders' shops and goods, causing substantial financial damage. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan reported that Aiyedatiwa toured the market on Tuesday to gauge the extent of the damage and offer condolences to the affected traders.

The governor expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and applauded firefighters and locals for their efforts to contain the fire before it could spread. He acknowledged the quick response of the firefighters and the community's support in extinguishing the flames. Aiyedatiwa assured the victims that the state government would offer assistance after the damage assessment.

He directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation to identify suitable locations for boreholes to address the water shortage that hindered firefighting efforts. The governor urged traders and residents to take precautions against future fire outbreaks by switching off electrical appliances and other potential ignition sources before leaving their shops or going to sleep.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, stated that the government would delve into the root causes of the fire, noting that it was the third incident within two years. The Odigbo Local Government Chairman, Taiwo Michael Adegoroye, praised the governor for visiting the market and pledged support for the affected traders, emphasizing the market's significance to the state's internally generated revenue.

The Iyaloja of Ore, Eniola Ogunlana, who spoke for the victims, expressed disappointment over the incident and appealed for government aid to help the traders whose livelihoods depend on the market.