The early Sunday morning fire outbreak that gutted shops at Ijomu area of Akure, the Ondo State capital was a major disaster. At a time majority of the victims are still grappling with the economic hardship inflicted by Covid-19, this inferno is one too many.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) empathises with all those who have lost their wares and other valuables to the fire.

In a statement signed by Ikantu Peretei, Ondo State PDP, Publicity Secretary. The party called on the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN to set up a panel of inquiry to find out the immediate and remote causes of this inferno with the hope of providing succour for the victims.

He further stated that , “it is quite unfortunate that each time fire breaks out in Akure, the Fire Service is unable to rise to the occasion. Whether at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Office, Ijomu or anywhere else, the response from the Fire Service has been unacceptable”.

The level of destruction would have been greatly curtailed if only help had reached the scene in good time. Governments both at the State and Federal levels should endeavour to put measures in place to respond swiftly to disasters like this in future.

The most important duty of Government is to protect lives and properties. If Government is unable to discharge this all important function, it simply means that Government is asleep or does not exist.