MARKET FIRE: Okowa Assures Affected Shop Owners Of Government Support

The Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with victims of the fire that gutted a section of the Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba.

The Governor who assured the affected victims of some level of succour to cushion the effect of the damage, called on leaders of the market to forward necessary documentation of shop owners at the affected market.

Governor Okowa who visited the market to inspect the extent of damage told newsmen that the cause of the fire was still being investigated and assured the people that the state government would assist the traders affected to get back to their businesses.

“I have directed the Chairman of that section of the market to get us the documentation of those that own shops in the market so that we know how to provide them with palliatives that will get them back in business,” Governor Okowa said.

Recall that no fewer than 300 shops adjacent Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba metropolis were gutted by an early morning fire on Tuesday.

The incident left many traders in tears and goods worth millions burnt.

Although the fire was brought under control four hours later, many shops had been gutted.

The cause of the fire, which gutted Echolac Line-a row of ramshackle shops housing provision shops , tailoring shop, livestock market, haberdashery and foodstuff, remains unknown.

Traders raced to the market to salvage their wares as early as 6.30 am when they got news of the inferno.

Some shop owners were inconsolable, claiming to have lost goods valued at millions to the inferno.

Others wept profusely after their shops were looted by unknown persons in a bid to salvage merchandise from the fire.