Fire Incdents: LASG charges plank traders on safety measures

By Abolaji Adebayo

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has issued a three-month ultimatum to traders at Ifelodun Plank Market, Demurin, in Agboyi-Ketu area of Lagos, to put safety and precautionary measures in place to curb fire incidents that normally occur in plank markets or have the market shut.

The Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said this after a meeting with the plank market leaders in Alausa, Ikeja.

It would be recalled that the market was on fire last month. The cause of the fire that gutted the whole market could not be ascertained.

He also vowed toat the agency would arrest and prosecute careless drive causing avoidable auto crashes that often lead to fire outbreak, loss of lives and property.

Oke-Osanyintolu said: “We will be going after the errant drivers, henceforth. We will arrest and prosecute to save innocent lives and send warning to others who are fond of such habits.

“We are partnering with the Ministry of Justice for enforcement in a bid to avert avoidable disasters in the state, particularly, this year, 2021.

“This is aimed at saving lives and properties of innocent residents, and also serves as a deterrent to others in curbing the menace.”

On the ultimatum, Oke-Osayintolu said: “We have read the riot act to Ifelodun Plank Market traders. We are giving them three months, if there is nothing in place to prevent fire outbreak to protect lives and property, we will seal the place and do a proper reconstruction,” he warned.