Inferno: Minister Warn Traders Not To Sell Highly Inflammable Materials In Undesignated Areas

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu on Saturday also warned traders not to sell highly inflammable materials in undesignated areas in line with global best practices.

Aliyu stated this while sympathizing with victims of the Kubwa market fire incident that claimed no fewer than 6 lives leaving 10 people with various degrees of injuries.

The minister who visited the scene alongside the FCT Director of Fire Service, Malam Sani Sa’idu, among other top management staff of FCT Emergency Management Agency, commended the FCT Fire Service and other critical stakeholders for their proactive steps.

Those who sustained injuries are said to be receiving treatment in Kubwa General Hospital and National Hospital respectively.

She however lamented the high rate of casualties recorded, even as she expressed concern over frequent fire outbreaks in major markets across the territory.

Aliyu who pledged that the FCT Administration would see how best to assist the victims, also revealed that the FCT Development Control would be directed to remove all shanties along the road corridors to pave way for emergency operations.

According to her, “First, I want to on behalf of the FCT Administration and that Mr President sympathizes with the families of those who lost their beloved ones in this unfortunate fire outbreak. However, it is regrettable that six persons have been confirmed dead despite the proactive steps taken by FCT Fire Service.

“But I want to appeal to our residents to be law-abiding when government make a policy statement on certain issues. Before now, the government has warned residents not to sell kerosene, diesel or any inflammable chemicals in unauthorised areas. Abuja is a planned city and they are designated areas marked out for such trade.

“I will direct the Development Control to come here and remove all the shanties that blocked the access road leading to the market. I was told that firefighters find it difficult to even access here due to illegal structures and shanties. All these will be removed by next week and I want you to show understanding in carrying out this exercise,” Aliyu affirmed.

Conducting the minister round the scene, the Director FCT Fire Service, Malam Sani Sa’idu, told the minister that the cause of the fire outbreak could not be established, but stressed that the fire outbreak was said to have started from a shop where kerosene was being sold.

Sa’idu also informed the minister that as soon as the Service received the distressed call from residents of the area, personnel were deployed from the nearby Maitama market Fire Outpost in Kubwa for the rescue operation, stressing that if not for the quick intervention of the Service, the casualties could have been more than the number recorded.

A trader, Mrs Obilor Chidinma, who lost her 16 years old son, and a daughter who is still in critical condition was taken to Kubwa General Hospital on the order of the FCT Minister of State.