The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of well-equipped fire stations in major markets across the state to curb the destruction of goods.
The call was made during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, as an immediate intervention and long-term preventive measure to reduce future fire incidents in major markets.
The Member representing Oyo East and West State Constituency, Honourable Rahaman Olorunpoto, presented the fire incident that occurred earlier today at Ashamu Market, Kosobo, in the Oyo East Local Government area, as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
According to Honourable Olorunpoto, the inferno, which started in the early hours of the day, destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira, leaving traders and business owners in distress.
While commending the swift response of the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service, which helped contain the fire, Honourable Olorunpoto emphasised the need for proactive steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The House, therefore, urged the State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to assess the extent of the damage and provide immediate relief materials and financial assistance to the affected traders.
The House also expressed solidarity with the affected traders and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring better safety measures in markets across the state.