By John Ogunsemore
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has urged the authorities to provide immediate relief and long-term support for traders affected by fire incidents at the popular Owode Onirin and Ladipo markets in Lagos State.
Obi made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
Daily Sun reported that tragedy struck early Tuesday morning as an inferno engulfed Ladipo Market in Mushin and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road, Lagos, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
At Ladipo Market, several shops and warehouses filled with mechanical tools, vehicle spare parts, motorcycles, and household electrical appliances were razed.
In a separate incident, several shops dealing in metallic materials at the Owod Onirin Market were gutted by fire.
Obi said the affected traders would need immediate relief as well as long-term support to enable them rebuild.
He said, “The sad news of the fire outbreak at the Ladipo and Owode Onirin markets in Lagos, which have resulted in the loss of goods worth several millions of naira, is deeply saddening.
“These tragic incidents, occurring at a time when traders are already facing immense difficulties, underscore the urgent need for decisive action to prevent future occurrences.
“My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families. I urge the authorities to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help them rebuild.
“We must work together to safeguard lives and livelihoods, ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.”