Inferno: Minister calls for reorganisation of Kugbo market in FCT

By Benjamin Peter/:

Minister of state, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, has called for the reorganization and remodeling of Kugbo furniture market in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, following the persistence fire outbreaks in market

The Minister, who made the call when she visited victims of Kugbo inferno, also commended critical stakeholders in the territory for the prompt response to the fire outbreak.

Dr. Aliyu stressed that the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited during the incident, shows that much would be achieved by doing things together.

Last Sunday, fire burnt down over 80 timber shades, about 300 furniture shops and other valuables at the Kugbo Furniture Market, Asokoro Extension, Abuja.

The Minister, while pledging that the FCT Administration would see how best to assist the victims, tasked traders to take precautionary measures at all time as most of the goods sold in the market are highly inflammable.

Dr. Aliyu disclosed that the personnel of FCT Fire Service is poised to train traders on how to curtail fire outbreak.

She also commended the traders for assisting the victims to salvage some of the damaged goods, noting that in most cases of inferno unscrupulous elements seized the opportunity to cart away other people’s belongings.

“This is sad especially in this very difficult period that we are all grappling with the economic situation and how to survive with our little businesses. Nevertheless, I most also quickly sympathize with victims of this inferno that led to the loss of property.

“We must also thank God that there was no loss of life, but at the same time, we must say a big thank you in appreciation to our first respondents that came to curtain this ugly incident such as FCT Fire Service, FEMA, NEMA, and other stakeholders especially those who quickly come to our aid, like the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.

“These critical stakeholders and hands of fellowship extended to FCT Administration show that togetherness we can conquer. We must say a very big thank you to all of you because the disaster could have been worse than this if not for your prompt intervention.

“And for all those who lost their property is not because they have offended God in one way or the other. We should take it in good fate and God’s willing; FCT will do everything at its best to ensure that we put to an end to these ugly occurrences.

“We will look forward to the reorganization of the market. Thank God there is a skeletal space for the fire trucks to move in, and we need to improve on it in terms of creating more spaces to make it more motorable. FCT Emergency Management Agency will come and take stock of the extent of damaged goods, even though we have some figures here.” the Minister said.

Conducting the minister round the scene, the Acting Director FCT Fire Service, Malam Sani Sa’idu, told the minister that the fire outbreak could be linked to an electrical upsurge, adding that over 80 timber shades and 300 furniture shops were affected by the inferno.

Sa’idu also maintained that as soon as the service received the information from Kugbo residents, the service deployed personnel from Nyanya and Karu and then activated the Federal Fire Service, before the intervention of firefighters from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Army, Air Force, and the Navy.

One of the traders, a shop owner said that the fire, which started around 6 am on Sunday, had lasted for over one hour before the men of the Fire Service arrived.