Victims of the recent fire outbreak at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan, have refuted claims that 500 traders were affected, stating that the actual number is closer to 90.
This clarification comes as the Oyo State Government has directed a full enumeration and verification of those impacted by the incident.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju the deputy governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, issued the directive on Friday while meeting with representatives of the Plastic and Cooler Sellers, the worst-hit section of the market.
He emphasized that the government would rely on figures provided by the victims themselves to ensure accuracy.
“The unofficial figure being circulated suggests that 500 people were affected, with over 700 shops damaged. But you, the victims, have stated that the actual number is around 85. We cannot allow false figures to spread. You know yourselves, and we will only work with verified data,” Lawal stated.
He instructed the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to establish a verification center within the market, where affected traders will submit their details, including phone numbers and shop numbers, for proper documentation.
Lawal reassured the victims that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to their welfare and has already begun clearing the site for rehabilitation. He also condemned attempts to politicize the tragedy, describing it as “unreasonable and unethical.”
“The government exists to make life comfortable for its people, not to cause hardship. This administration listens and acts in the best interest of the people. No one should play politics with a disaster of this nature,” he added.
During the meeting, traders from the Plastic and Cooler Section urged the government not to demolish the market. The Chairperson of the association, Mrs. Taiwo Lawal, who was accompanied by her predecessor, Mrs. Julianah Ayoola, and other executives, expressed concerns over the presence of bulldozers at the site.
“We are here to plead with the governor not to demolish our market. He visited us two days ago and promised support, but then we saw bulldozers yesterday, which made us anxious,” she said.
She added that many traders had stayed overnight in the market to monitor the situation, fearing demolition. However, the government assured them that the equipment was only deployed for rubble clearing.
The Deputy Governor reiterated that discussions on the future of the market, including possible redevelopment, would involve all stakeholders, including the state government, Ibadan South LCDA, Ibadan South-West Local Government, and the traders.
“We understand your concerns, and we will communicate with you on any decisions regarding the market’s future,” he assured.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, and the Director of Oyo SEMA, Mrs. Ojuolape Busari.
