NNPP Guber Candidate Seeks Probe Into Oranyan Market Fire

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Oyo State, Adebiyi Adedapo, has called for an investigation into the fire that occurred at Oranyan Market in Ibadan on Sunday night.

Adedapo, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed sympathy with traders and other persons affected by the incident, saying the destruction of businesses would have significant economic consequences for those who lost goods and property.

He said the incident should prompt authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and assess the adequacy of existing measures for preventing and responding to market fires.

According to him, the recurrence of fire incidents in some markets across Oyo State requires greater attention to fire prevention, emergency response and market safety.

Adedapo called for an independent and transparent investigation to establish the cause of the Oranyan fire and determine how the blaze spread.

He also urged the authorities to examine whether factors such as electrical installations, access to the affected area, availability of firefighting equipment, water supply and waste management played any role in the incident.

He said where the investigation establishes that any individual or institution was responsible for a breach of applicable safety requirements, appropriate action should be taken in accordance with the law.

Adedapo further called for fire and safety assessments of major markets across the state, particularly markets where access for emergency services may be difficult.

He urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen the capacity of the state fire service by providing adequate equipment, personnel and other resources needed for effective emergency response.

The NNPP candidate also appealed to the government to consider providing assistance to traders affected by the Oranyan fire, following an assessment of the losses suffered by victims.

He said the incident should serve as an opportunity for the authorities to review existing market safety measures and strengthen fire prevention and emergency response systems across the state.