EdoSEMA Counsels Residents On Fire Prevention
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) has advised shop owners and residents to cultivate the habit of switching off electrical appliances before leaving their shops and homes to prevent fire outbreaks.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, gave the advice during an on-the-spot assessment of three fire incidents in Benin City, following distress calls from the affected areas.
He urged the public to report emergencies promptly by calling the toll-free emergency number 739 or the EdoSEMA office lines: 08070419855 or 08140848899.
The first fire incident occurred at No. 20 Uselu, Lagos Road, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira.
Addressing the victims, many of whom were in tears as they recounted their ordeal, Hon. Idahosa sympathized with them and urged them to remain calm.
He assured them that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“We are here to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the fire incident that occurred here. We received the distress call this morning and immediately mobilized to assess the situation. Based on our findings, we will prepare a report and submit it to His Excellency,” Hon. Idahosa stated.
He explained that the team was acting on the governor’s directive to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary recommendations.
“By God’s grace, in due time, His Excellency will take appropriate action to relieve the pain, stress, and burden of every victim here. The government is aware of what has happened, so let us remain calm and patient,” he added.
Hon. Idahosa expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the incident and used the opportunity to sensitize the public on fire safety measures. He reiterated the importance of switching off electrical appliances before leaving homes and shops.
While conducting the assessment at Uselu, EdoSEMA received another distress call about a fire incident at Siluko Road, near Chicken Republic. Upon arrival, the team discovered that the fire resulted from indiscriminate bush burning. Fortunately, the swift response of the Edo State and Federal Fire Service teams helped contain the situation and prevent further destruction.
Hon. Idahosa emphasized the importance of timely intervention in preventing more devastating outcomes and commended the Edo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service for their prompt response. He also called for stronger collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders to enhance disaster management and prevention in the state.
“Disasters can be better managed when all stakeholders work together. We must strengthen our synergy to safeguard lives and property more effectively,” he stated.
Shortly afterward, another fire outbreak was reported at the Obakhavbaye axis, making it the third incident EdoSEMA assessed in a single day. Hon. Idahosa, who was present at all three locations, reiterated the need for Edo residents to take preventive measures against fire outbreaks.
He appealed to the public to avoid activities that could trigger fires in their homes and businesses, emphasizing that EdoSEMA remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“Always remember to call the emergency lines whenever there is an emergency. We are here to serve and protect,” he assured.
Earlier, a victim, Mrs. Egheiro, who spoke on behalf of the affected shop owners, recounted her losses and appealed to the state government and well-meaning individuals for support. She said she lost goods and money worth several millions of naira in the fire incident.
