Benin: Oba market fire caused by solar panel – Oredo council chairman

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The fire that gutted part of Oba Market in Benin, Oredo Local Government Area on Wednesday night, was caused by a solar panel, the chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, has clarified.

Chairman of Oredo local government area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, has clarified that the fire that gutted the Oba Market on Wednesday was caused by a solar panel.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting the market, Iduseri said only one shop was affected by the fire incident.

He disclosed that fire fighters and security agencies promptly responded to ensure the fire did not spread to other parts of the market.

Iduseri stated that following the incident, traders would be stopped from installing solar panels inside the market to prevent future fire outbreaks.

“We learnt solar panel caused the fire. We are going to stop installation of solar panels and check all the electrical wiring in the market.

“I want to assure that we will support the affected trader to get back to business. There is no so much damage. No lives were lost. Oredo local government was here and we put measures in place to prevent thieves,” the council boss said.

The affected trader was said to have collapsed last night, following the fire incident, the second in Oba Market in five years.

Meanwhile, reconstruction work has already begun in the burnt part of the market.