Ekiti Governor Pledges Relief Efforts, Justice After Igede Ekiti Fire Incident

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged to take strong action against criminals involved in looting property during a midnight fire outbreak in Igede Ekiti. The fire, which destroyed the multimillion-naira property of traders in the Irepodun Ifelodun local government area, was caused by an alleged electricity spark. The governor condemned the looting as a wicked act and vowed to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the crime. He made these remarks during his visit to the scene of the fire to assess the damage.
The fire, which broke out around 1:30 a.m., ravaged two buildings, including six shops and residential apartments, before being contained by the Ekiti State Fire Services. While no lives were lost in the inferno, significant property damage was reported. During his visit, Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, expressed sympathy to the victims and promised government support through the provision of relief materials to ease their suffering.
Governor Oyebanji also visited the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru, to sympathize with the monarch and assure him that the government would swiftly begin an enumeration of the property lost. He also urged shop owners to ensure they turn off electrical appliances at night to prevent such incidents, citing a possible spark from high voltage as the cause of the fire. The governor’s office is committed to ensuring that the affected victims receive appropriate assistance.
One of the victims, Mr. Chinedu Nbamu, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit, but also called for a thorough investigation into the looting. He described the incident as painful and emphasized that no one had determined the fire’s exact cause, rejecting claims that the fire started from his shop. The Onigede of Igede Ekiti also appreciated the governor’s support, urging the government to act quickly and provide palliatives so that the victims could return to their businesses.