Following distress calls from the affected areas, the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) conducted an on-the-spot assessment of three fire incidents in Benin City, led by the agency’s executive secretary, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, with the operations team, led by Engineer Michael.
The first fire incident occurred at No. 20 Uselu, Lagos Road, destroying shops and goods valued at millions of Naira. Hon. Idahosa spoke to the victims, who were crying as they described their ordeal, and urged them to maintain their composure, as he reassured them that the state government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, is dedicated to protecting lives and property.
“We are here to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the fire incident that occurred here on Wednesday, the 12th of February, 2025. We received this call this morning, and we are here to assess the situation. From all we have gathered, we will prepare a report and submit it to His Excellency,” Hon. Idahosa stated.
He disclosed that the Team was acting on the Governor’s directive to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary recommendations. He added, “By God’s grace, in due time, His Excellency will take action to relieve the pain, stress, and burden of every victim here. So, let us be assured that the Government is aware of what has happened. Let us remain calm and patient”.
Hon. Idahosa used the occasion to raise public awareness of fire safety precautions and expressed appreciation that no one was killed in the fire event. He suggested that individuals and business owners make it a practice to turn off electrical equipment when they leave their homes and places of business.
He also encouraged the public to report crises as soon as possible by phoning the EdoSEMA office lines, 08070419855 or 08140848899, or the toll-free emergency hotline, 739. “Always remember to call the emergency lines whenever there is an emergency. We are here to serve and protect,” he assured.
A distress call about another fire occurrence at Siluko Road, near Chicken Republic, was received while the evaluation was being done at Uselu. When they arrived, they found that the fire was caused by careless bush burning. Thankfully, the Edo State and Federal Fire Service personnel’s prompt action saved the day and stopped additional damage. He underlined that their prompt action was essential to preventing a more disastrous result.
The Federal Fire Service and the Edo State Fire Service received praise from Hon. Idahosa for their quick action. He emphasized the necessity of a coordinated strategy for efficient disaster management and prevention in the state and advocated for closer cooperation between all pertinent agencies and stakeholders. “Disasters can be better managed when all stakeholders work together. We must strengthen our synergy to safeguard lives and property more effectively,” he stated.
The Obakhavbaye axis had another fire outbreak shortly after, marking the third occurrence that EdoSEMA evaluated that day. Attending all three sites, Hon. Idahosa reaffirmed the importance of Edo people taking precautions against fire outbreaks.
He emphasized that EdoSEMA is still dedicated to protecting people and property in the state and urged the public to refrain from actions that can start fires in their residences and places of business.
Earlier, Mrs. Egheiro, who spoke on behalf of the victims, recounted her losses and appealed to the State Government and well-meaning individuals for support, saying, “I do sell here. I have been here for the past 27 years. I sell provisions, food items, and drinks. Tuesday night, I left here after 11 p.m. By 12 a.m., they called me that my store was burning. By the time I got here, everything had burnt down. I don’t know how it happened.”
The recent fire incidents have raised concerns over safety practices in the State, prompting calls for increased public awareness and stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations.
