The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, after visiting the Oba Market which parts of it was razed by fire on Monday morning, sets-up an investigation committee to unravel the cause.
The governor disclosed this during a visit to the market for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident reported to have occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 22.
Recall Gbetu reported very early how the Oba Market in Kings Square, Benin City, the Edo State capital, was on fire.
Obaseki, who sympathised with the traders that lost their goods to the fire, said the investigation committee has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the unfortunate incident.
Rumors have it that the inferno was caused to hunt the Governor, this is aimed at picking a weak spot – that Obaseki has refused to work on the Edo State Fire Service.
The governor also said efforts are ongoing to ascertain the victims who lost their goods to the inferno for adequate compensation.
He says, “The investigation committee will consist of officials of Oredo Local Government Council, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, State Fire Service, Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duty, Hon. Yakubu Gowon.”
“The committee will also ensure that suspected arsonists who perpetuated the dastardly act are arrested and prosecuted.”
Obaseki said the committee is suspected to submit its report within 10 days and advise on measures to equitably rehabilitate the victims.
