Idanre Inferno: Wellington Visits Scene, Assures Victims Of Govt’s Assistance

The Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Emergency Response, Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo, has paid a sympathy visit to the scene of a devastating fire Outbreak in Odede, Idanre, even as he assured victims of the incident of the government’s assistance in cushioning the effect of the outbreak on them.

Adebawo visited the scene on Monday, to assess the level of damage and sympathise with the affected residents. The outbreak occurred on Thursday last week.

Officials of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) were also on hand at the scene as part of the government’s coordinated emergency response efforts.

The Adebawo led Emergency Agency team, while at the razed one storey building at Lógunró Street, Odode Idanre, which left 10 families homeless, destroying all their valuables, was briefed on the cause of the fire incident which consumed the 16-room residential structure.

Speaking during the visit, Adebawo condemned the practice of commercial refilling of gas cylinders within residential apartments, said to be responsible for the inferno.

Describing the practice of selling gas in residential apartments as extremely dangerous and irresponsible, Adebawo revealed that the fire outbreak was triggered by a tenant who was reportedly refilling gas cylinders for commercial purposes inside the building, leading to an explosion that destroyed property worth millions of naira, including refrigerators, television sets, home theatres, wardrobes, sets of chairs, clothing, market goods, cash, and other valuables.

Adebawo lamented the increasing trend of unsafe gas-handling practices across the state, warning that anyone caught engaging in commercial gas refilling in residential areas would face strict penalties. He stressed that the state government would not condone actions that endanger lives, noting that such behaviour violates essential safety regulations.

Adebawo commended men of the Emergency Management Agency for responding swiftly to emergencies across the state. He praised the agency’s performance under the supervision of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, adding that their coordinated actions have continued to save lives and reduce the impact of disasters on communities.

He assured the displaced families of the government’s readiness to provide relief materials and necessary support to cushion the impact of their losses. According to him, the Governor Aiyedatiwa-led administration remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of residents, especially those facing distressing situations.

One of the affected tenants, Mr. Femi Ajari, expressed profound gratitude to the Ondo State Government for its swift intervention. He pleaded for additional assistance, explaining that the families had lost virtually everything and were now left with nothing to rebuild their lives.

Also present during the visit was the Chairman of Idanre Local Government Area, Barr. Adeuyi Smart Omotadowa, who described the incident as heartbreaking. He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for quickly deploying officials to assess the situation and initiate support for the victims.

The council chairman emphasized the need for continuous safety education across Idanre to prevent similar tragedies, noting that the incident underscores the importance of enforcing safety standards in residential communities.

Other officials who joined the visit included the Secretary to the Local Government, Akinfala Felix Omotayo; Leader of the House, Hon. Osedele Akinfolarin; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Teniola Felix; and councilors Hon. Adeleye Julius Ijato, Hon. Akinrinlola Adewale, Hon. Arifalo Doyin, and Hon. Akinro Vincent, the Majority Leader of the House.