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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, Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Gabriel Iduseri, clarified yesterday.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the market, Iduseri said only one shop was affected by the fire incident.
He disclosed that fire fighters, 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 that the 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 not so much damage. No lives were lost. Oredo local government was here and we put measures in place to prevent thieves,” he said. The affected trader was said to have collapsed last night, following the fire incident, the second in Oba Market in five years.
Reconstruction work has already begun in the burnt part of the market.
