Fire Disaster: 7 children, 16 others roasted…, 1675 buildings destroyed in 4 months – NEMA
“People should use the onset of rainfall to plant trees in their premises to serve as windbreaker that would help in reducing the increasing rate of windstorm disasters that are exposing more families to disaster risk”, he said.
One of the agencies in charge of disaster in Nigeria, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has revealed that 23 people, among them 7 children and a 6-months-old baby lost their lives, with 1,675 buildings destroyed in disaster incidents in South Western part of Nigeria.
In a statement by the agency spokesperson, Ibrahim Farinloye on Sunday, it said the figures were recorded in incidents between March and June this year.
The statement revealed that, out of the 1,675 houses and 313 shops destroyed by fire and windstorms across the zone, 989 houses and 219 shops were recorded in Lagos; 430 houses were affected in Oyo; while 280 houses and 85 shops in Ogun State.
It also stated that during the period under review, the agency also recorded two suicide attempts: one person climbed a television mast but was rescued while one died before help could reach him. Ten persons were also said to have suffered various degrees of injuries.
“In the Zone, the Zonal Office recorded about two hundred (200) fire disaster incidences and several others that were handled by the efficient firemen of Lagos State Fire Service who have been making effective use of the State-of-the Art fire appliances acquired by the state government, to attend to about five (5) fire call.
“However, it is disheartening to say that in the period under review, a fire man was lost on duty line while trying to rescue a victim in a local well; he was in coma for a long before given up the ghost.
“This incident really dampened the morale, passion and spirits of the Officers and men of Lagos Fire Service as it was the first time, the Service would experience such incident. The State Government, which has always applauded the diligence of the service personnel, is passionately implored to kindly urge to further look into enhancement of the firemen welfare”, Farinloye said.
However, according to him, the agency provided relief materials to victims of the various disasters in 15 communities.
In Lagos, it listed benefited communities as follows: Odofin, Agboju and Alakija in Amuwo Odofin LGA; Epe, Ogunmodede, Epetedo, Odo Iragbusi, Iraye, Poka and Ketu communities in Epe LGA; Ijede, Imota and Ikorodu in Ikorodu LGA; Ajara, Ibereko and Kakoa in Badagry LGA, Iba, Obadore, Abule Ado, Ije Ododo and Okokomaiko in Ojo LGA. Materials were channeled through Lagos State Emergency Agency.
In Ogun State as listed by NEMA, the following communities received relief materials: The victims of market fire at Igbo Aje market in Yewa South; Abeokuta South; Abeokuta North; Ayetoro and Tobolo communities of Yewa North. Relief materials were through Ogun State Emergency Agency.
The agency also stated that the victims of the windstorms and fire disasters in seven communities of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area; Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area; several communities in Afijio, Atiba and Oyo West Local Government Area had received relief material through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency.
NEMA, Farinloye said, is appealing to Nigerians and corporate organisations to invest more in disaster risk reduction measures to secure their lives and property.
“There is need for Nigerians to be more fire safety conscious in their course of their daily activities as fire disaster does not have any season when it can occur. Many people have been wondering while frequent occurrences of fire disasters on daily bases, they should be aware that fire is a good friend if you manage it carefully and can cause extensive destructions if not properly managed well at any time.
“We should avoid leaving children alone in a locked-up apartment without neighbours having knowledge or access to the area in case of emergency. If we must use candle at any time, the elders must ensure that it is put off before leaving the place for children. Community responsibility of being a brother keeper must be enhanced and encouraged for the best interest of everyone as we do not when we may need the help of our neighbours.
