Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire that destroyed parts of Sabo Market in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The fire, which occurred on August 12, destroyed several shops and goods belonging to traders, resulting in significant financial losses.

In a statement signed by Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, it was disclosed that Aiyedatiwa visited the market on Tuesday to inspect the extent of the damage and sympathise with the affected traders.

The governor expressed relief that no life was lost in the incident, while commending firefighters and residents for their efforts in preventing the fire from spreading further.

“I acknowledge and thank all our firefighters for their quick response to ensure that this fire did not escalate more than this.

“A lot of valuables have been lost but no life was lost. Our men responded with the support of the people in the neighbourhood to ensure that the fire was put off,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency had visited the market to assess and document the damage and identify the affected traders.

He assured the victims that the government would provide support after the assessment was completed.

“The emergency agency of the state government has been here to take note and account of all that have been destroyed and those who are affected. They are doing their calculation; in due time, they will respond to support the people,” he said.

The governor also promised to address the water shortage that affected efforts to put out the fire.

He directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation to identify suitable locations for boreholes in the area.

“I’m promising you today, the Ministry of Water Resources, Hygiene and Sanitation will visit and look at locations where they have to sink the boreholes, and that will be approved immediately. Not just for firefighting but also for your use,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He urged traders and residents to take precautions against fire outbreaks by switching off electrical appliances and other potential sources of fire before leaving their shops or going to bed.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the state government would investigate the remote causes of the fire.

Takuro said the latest incident was the third fire outbreak recorded at the market within two years, adding that the causes of the previous incidents had not been conclusively established.

“So, at this time, it is very important for us to dig to the roots of the causes of these problems so that we can be able to know what to do next,” he said.

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Taiwo Michael Adegoroye, commended the governor for visiting the market and promising support for the affected traders.

He described the market as one of the major markets in Ondo State, noting its contribution to the internally generated revenue of the state and the local government.

The Iyaloja of Ore, Eniola Ogunlana, who spoke on behalf of the victims, described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to the government to assist the affected traders whose livelihoods depend on the market.