Ogun State Government to Investigate Lipede Market Fire Incident

The Ogun State Government has expressed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the recent fire incident at the Oba Lipede International Market in Abeokuta. The fire, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in the destruction of 15 shops and goods worth millions of naira.

During an on-the-spot assessment visit to the market, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, stated that the purpose of the investigation is to determine the root cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Experts will be deployed to conduct an integrity test on the market building to assess the impact of the fire.

Furthermore, the government has pledged to rehabilitate the affected parts of the market without delay. The main building, which has been in existence for over 43 years, holds significant economic value for the residents of Ogun State and will be protected and maintained.

Governor Dapo Abiodun is also working on plans to provide assistance to the affected traders and alleviate their losses. The government expressed concern over the looting of some shops after the incident and appreciated the prompt response of security agents.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the explosion of a generator powered by gas, owned by a businessman in the market. The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape, revealed that the fire originated from illegal structures outside the main building and subsequently spread.

To restore sanity and orderliness, the government is considering the demolition of shanties and illegal structures in the market. This action aims to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of traders and customers.

The investigation and subsequent actions taken by the Ogun State Government demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and security of its citizens. The government will continue to prioritize the protection of public spaces and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.