The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, has disclosed that the state government is currently awaiting a comprehensive report from emergency responders regarding the Tuesday fire incident that ravaged sections of Dosumu Market on Lagos Island.
In addition to awaiting the report, Omotosho, in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, stated that the government was making preparations to convene a meeting with stakeholders from the market and its vicinity to deliberate on the circumstances surrounding the tragic inferno.
Reports indicate that the fire outbreak destroyed no fewer than 14 buildings, with four buildings collapsing, as confirmed by the Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, Ibrahim Farinloye.
One casualty was confirmed by the state fire service on Wednesday.
The director of the state fire service, Margaret Adeseye, revealed that the victim lost his life while refuelling a working generator, which inadvertently sparked the fire.
Additionally, nine individuals suffered from carbon monoxide inhalation, while one sustained a fracture during the incident.
In response to the incident, Omotosho expressed sorrow, stating, “It’s an unfortunate incident.”
He highlighted the government’s ongoing advocacy efforts, particularly by the Ministry of Special Duties and the Ministry of Information, aimed at educating traders on fire prevention measures and encouraging the installation of firefighting equipment in markets.
Omotosho emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, especially in light of the prevailing weather conditions characterised by high temperatures attributed to global warming.
He announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Friday, where the government will engage with all relevant parties to address concerns and chart a way forward.
He said, “We are going to wait for the full report of the Ministry of Special Duties under which we have the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service and all other emergency responders that were there to file their reports, and most importantly, on Friday, there will be stakeholders meeting where the government will engage all of the people who are stakeholders in that market and the area.
“What the government can do is to warn people around these areas, especially because of the kind of weather we’re having, the heat everywhere is high and it’s all about global warming.”