By Patrick Obia
The member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Egbona, and member-elect of Yakurr 1 State Constituency in State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril Omini has sympathized with victims whose shops were razed down in Ugep main market last night.
They both conveyed their sympathy through different statements made available to our newsroom.
Traders woke in the wee hours of Saturday, April 15, 2023, to see their shops and goods in flames as the source of the yet-to-be-ascertained fire gutted the market, close to the motor park, destroying properties worth millions of Naira.
Alex who described the inferno as “destabilizing, confused and dumbfounded” thanked God no life was lost, promising to reach out to the victims to cushion whatever trauma they might be going through.
“Even though there is no authentic information on the cause of the fire, I can guess that the fortunes of hundreds of families have been buried in the rubble and it may take them quite a while to get themselves back.
“This fire incident, no matter what or who caused it, is a great setback to the traders and the economy of Ugep and by extension a setback to this federal constituency. I feel the pains of the victims and wish to inform them that I am with them at this period of their travail.
“Let me address the traders directly. As your representative, I will do everything within my power to bring succor to you. I will not allow the government to rest until they have responded to you and found a healing balm for you,” part of the statement read.
On his part, the member-elect of Yakurr 1 State Constituency, Hon. Cyril Omini who is yet-to-be-sworn in his statement said he is saddened by the ugly incident.
The statement reads in part: “I am saddened by the unfortunate incidence of a fire outbreak that occurred at the Ugep main market yesterday, 14th April 2023.
“The fire incident has brought down about 12 shops and destroyed properties worth millions of naira, which is an unfortunate loss to the affected individuals and the entire community.
“The recurrent incident of fire outbreaks in our city and town requires that we take proactive measures to forestall future occurrences.
“As the Member-elect, to represent Yakurr 1 State Constituency, I pledge to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure everyone affected is provided with necessary support and assistance.”
He said he will set up a 13-man fact-finding committee to ascertain the true cause as well as prevent future occurrences.
“In furtherance, I look forward to constituting a thirteen (13) Man Fact-finding Committee to work with the fire service to establish the extent of the damage done and recommend measures to assist the petty traders and shop owners in my capacity as well as cushion the effect, the fire outbreak may have brought on the victims.
“I call on all well-meaning citizens to rally around and support the victims of this unfortunate incident, as they begin the process of rebuilding their livelihoods.
“I pray that God brings succor to those affected and saves us from similar future incidents. Once again, my heart goes out to all the victims and their families at this difficult time.”