The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, responded swiftly to a fire outbreak at the Oba Market, Benin City, following distressed calls received on Wednesday evening.
Upon receiving the alert, Hon. Idahosa, who was physically present at the scene, immediately activated the State and Federal Fire Services and reached out to key stakeholders, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff. Both officials further facilitated coordination by contacting the Commissioner of Police, who promptly deployed security personnel to maintain order and support emergency operations.
The Ministry of Public Security and Safety was also contacted to provide an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) bus at the site in case of any casualties, while the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, was present to oversee medical preparedness and ensure rapid medical response if required.
In a show of strong inter-agency collaboration, the Director General of the Edo State Fire Service, Hon. Anthony Ojo, and the Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, were also at the scene, providing support and supervision throughout the firefighting and recovery efforts.
Through the prompt and coordinated response of all relevant agencies, the fire was successfully contained without any fatalities. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and relevant authorities have commenced investigations to determine its origin.
EdoSEMA will mobilise its assessment team early tomorrow morning to carry out an on-the-spot evaluation of the incident to ascertain the level of damage and provide appropriate intervention as mandated by the Agency.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, commended the swift and collective response of all agencies involved.
