VIDEO: Ibadan Market Fire Victims Demand Swift Rebuilding Amid Uncertainty
Several traders affected by a the fire recent incident that ravaged Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan Oyo State capital have called on the state government to quicken the rebuilding process of their burnt up shops.
Recall that an inferno had last Tuesday destroyed Goods worth millions in a late-night fire outbreak at some parts of the popular Market in Ibadan.
The fire, which reportedly started around 9pm on Tuesday, gutted the Plastic Merchants area of the popular market and destroyed hundreds of shops and goods, disrupting livelihoods in the process.
Hifox News visited the market and spoke with the traders, in their conversation, it appears the traders prefer that they rebuild the shops themselves as they fear that government would compound their woes.
In case you are new to Ibadan, The popular Aleshinloye market, one of the commercial hubs in the capital city of the pace setter used to be a place that bubbles, unfortunately since last Tuesday when fire ravaged parts of the market, the sadness in the hearts and faces of the crowd has made the place a silent hub despite the number of legs that visit daily.
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The part affected by the inferno, is the popular place where plastic bowls dwells, but the place during a visit to the market place could be likened to the biblical ruins of Jericho.
While the Oyo state government has promised to help the affected traders, there is however an imminent problem, as the traders on Monday cried out for help after the state government stopped plans by the traders to build their shops.
During viisit to some parts destroyed by the inferno, emotions rented the air as the traders sat in their destroyed shops still hoping for a miracle.
Speaking with Hifox News, a trader Mrs Igbekele who said she lost goods worth millions pleaded to the government to allow her rebuild her shops, saying failure to do so would worsen her situation.
Another trader Mrs. Aminat Oseni who was shedding tears submitted that if government is allowed to rebuild the shops, many of the shop owners would lose their livelihood, saying the reallocation of shops could be politicized by government.
According to them, governments agents especially police have overtime come to the area to harass those who plan to rebuild the shop.
They called on the Oyo state government to remember the promises made during elections to prioritize people’s welfare, they however lamented that the response from government is nowhere close to matching trader expectations.
Meanwhile, markets leaders have met with government representatives to plea for reversal of the decision with a major decision expected in coming day.
