Bodija market fire: Folajinmi orders probe, seeks measures to prevent recurrence

The lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (DON), has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire outbreak that destroyed several shops and goods at Bodija Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oyekunle also expressed sympathy with the affected traders, describing the incident as a painful setback for business owners whose livelihoods had been disrupted by the disaster.

In a press release issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Akinwale Bodija, the lawmaker called for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent future occurrences.

He said there was a need for concerted efforts by relevant authorities, market leaders and traders to strengthen fire prevention measures and protect businesses from avoidable losses.

According to him, “A thorough investigation is necessary to establish the cause of the fire and determine the appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.”

The lawmaker assured the affected traders of his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at finding lasting solutions to the recurring threat of fire outbreaks in markets and other commercial centres.

He stressed that proactive measures and effective safety arrangements were essential to safeguarding traders, their investments and sources of livelihood.

Oyekunle also urged traders to prioritise safety in their business premises by observing necessary precautions and ensuring that appropriate fire prevention measures were in place.

He noted that preventing such incidents required collective responsibility, sustained attention to market safety and effective collaboration among government agencies, market associations and business owners.

The lawmaker further urged the relevant authorities to treat the incident with the urgency it deserved, stressing that the findings of the investigation should lead to practical steps to improve fire prevention and emergency response systems in markets across the constituency.

While extending his heartfelt sympathy to the affected traders, Oyekunle reiterated the need for sustainable measures to protect commercial activities and prevent a recurrence of the unfortunate incident.