From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
A member representing Onitsha North and South federal constituency at House of Representatives, Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu has commiserated with the victims of Chemical section of Drug market (Ogbogwu) fire disaster in Onitsha, Anambra state.
Ikpeazu who described the fire disaster as heartbreaking tragedy especially in this national economic situation and prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives in the fire incident.
The lawmaker in a message to the traders charge them not to relent but to be focus and have solace in God the maker of life and business.
“On Tuesday, many people from our Federal Constituency woke up hale and hearty and went about their daily businesses only for their lives and livelihood to be unexpectedly cut short.
“The incident at the Chemical Market, Ogbo Ọgwụ, Bridge Head Market, Onitsha is quite heartbreaking and one loss, that is too many.
“I was in constant communication with the team from our Constituency Office on ground and they were liaising with all relevant authorities to ensure that the fire was contained and stopped, that business that survived were protected, that those who injured were taken to hospitals where they are receiving medical attention and that the departed are taken care of.
“While commiserating with the traders whose businesses were affected, those who were injured and the families of those who died, I will like take a minute here to pray for the peaceful repose of the departed, may the Almighty in his infinite mercies grant them a peaceful repose, Amen.
“Losing billions of naira at this point of national economic situation is a heartbreaking tragedy and I pray that the ‘never say never’ attitude of the average Igbo man and woman will fuel those affected as they bounce back from this tragedy, we at the Green Chambers will do our best in anyway possible to help.
“I believe that the time has come for us to have the discussion on ensuring a safe market place and how to ensure that this tragedy never repeats itself again and that when we say ‘it will not happen again “Ọzọ emezina”.
“It is time the government of the day sit down with our market associations in Onitsha, Anambra state and across the nation to discuss policies and essential safety measures that need to be put in place to ensure that these unfortunate incidents never reoccur again.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Anambra State Fire Service for showing up on time and discharging their duties effectively, I want to also thank profusely the Delta State Fire Service for always showing up in solidarity when we are in need.
“I want to also extend my gratitude and condolences to the government of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, you are a visionary, and I know that we will definitely find a means to see the end of these tragedies” Ikpeazu stated.