…calls for proactive measures to curb incidents

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sympathised with the owner and occupants of a building in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area, which was destroyed by fire following an evening inferno on Tuesday.

Mr Oyebanji urged residents to heed government warnings and safety precautions to reduce recurring fire incidents capable of destroying lives and property.

The Governor spoke in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday while inspecting the 12-room bungalow belonging to a 95-year-old, Pa Matthew Jayeola, which was gutted by fire in the Oke Osun area of the community.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief ( Mrs) Monisade Afuye, he lamented the destruction of the building and property, attributing the incident to negligence.

He warned residents against cooking inside their rooms, describing the practice as unsafe despite modern lifestyle changes.

Mr Oyebanji also commended a member of the House of Representatives, Adeyemi Rufus Ojuawo, alongside the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Olu Adamolekun, his counterpart in Ikere West LCDA, Rufus Olorunfemi, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), for donating 20 bundles of iron sheets and 10 bags of cement to support the rebuilding process.

He promised additional relief materials, stressing that his administration places a high premium on the welfare of citizens, while noting that such incidents are avoidable.

“I thank God that no life was lost. When there is life, there is hope. Life is the most important thing.

“Civilisation does not mean people should cook inside their rooms. I learnt the fire started in one of the rooms, which made it difficult to control despite the intervention of fire service officials.

“This government has consistently advised our people to take precautions. If we are careful, we can avoid many of these incidents.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and sympathise with those affected. God will heal your wounds,” he said.

In his remarks the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Oludare Asaolu, described the incident as both demoralising and traumatic, noting that emergency responders were contacted promptly after distress calls were received on Tuesday evening.

He said the fire was caused by human negligence rather than natural factors.

“This is a man-made incident. We have continued to sensitise residents on safety precautions. We cannot continue to witness such occurrences.

“The Governor is more interested in preventing these incidents than merely sympathising after they occur.

“This is regrettable, but the government will continue to impress on residents the need to follow safety guidelines. We will also not abandon those affected,” he said.

The building’s owner, 95-year-old Pa Matthew Kokunmo, said he was informed of the incident by one of his grandchildren while he was away at dusk.

He said although no lives were lost, all property in the house was destroyed.

“I am 95 years old. I appeal to the government to help me rebuild this house. I have suffered in life and should not spend the rest of it in hardship.

“I have been displaced along with my family and tenants. This is not good for someone of my age.

“I appreciate the state government for deploying two fire trucks and for its readiness to support me. I am grateful,” he said