The Oyo State Government has directed the immediate enumeration of shops destroyed in the recent fire outbreak at Bode Market in Ibadan, as it moved to support traders affected by the incident.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal gave the directive on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the market in Ibadan South West Local Government Area, where he led a state delegation to evaluate the extent of damage and sympathise with victims on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The delegation visited the fire-ravaged Bode Market, one of the city’s major commercial centres, where traders were seen counting losses following the incident.
Speaking during the visit, Lawal said the government was fully aware of the economic importance of the market and would not abandon affected traders.
He directed that a comprehensive and verifiable enumeration of all destroyed shops and affected traders be completed within seven days to guide government intervention and relief measures.
“We need accurate and verifiable data. The enumeration must be transparent and comprehensive so that no genuine victim is left out,” he said.
Lawal also instructed local authorities and market leaders, including the Babaloja and Iyaloja, to work closely with officials to ensure the process was credible.
Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Hon. Kehinde Akande, commended the state government for its swift response, pledging cooperation with market stakeholders to complete the exercise within the stipulated timeframe.
Speaking on behalf of traders, market leaders appealed for urgent assistance to help rebuild businesses destroyed in the fire, while also calling for improved fire safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Officials from the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives accompanied the deputy governor during the assessment tour of the market.
