IKOM– The Executive Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Hon. Pst. [Mrs] Mercy Nsor, has sympathized with traders in the Ikom Central Market over the fire incident of Sunday, 12th January 2025, urging them to be vigilant and cautious to avoid a re-occurrence.
The Chairman stated this when she made an on-the-spot visit to the market to assess the level of damages done and possibly avoidable solutions subsequently.
Hon. Mercy Nsor thanked the traders for their timely intervention in ensuring that no life was lost while also expressing her sympathy and that of the entire Council to those affected.
She assured them of an immediate intervention as she called on the Market Leadership to enact laws in their constitution that would guide against illegal/unnecessary burning of refuse and other items in/within the market premises.
Hon. Mercy Nsor thanked God Almighty that lives were not lost as she assured the management of the market and all those affected that the LGA, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency and NEMA, will ensure a speedy response to bring forth relief materials and intervention to all those affected.
In his response, the Chairman of A-Line(Ikom Market), Mr. Effiong Okon Etu, where the incident occurred, stated that the cause of the fire was the unnecessary burning of refuse within/around the shop’s premises, even though that is not allowed in the market.
He solicited the Government to provide good fire equipment and rebuild the burnt shops as he will, on his part, provide fire extinguishers to his people for prompt intervention when such need arises.
Although the initial indication points to recklessness by traders, the Chairman has ordered a thorough investigation into the true cause and assured the people of Ikom Local Government Area of an effective response to emergencies at all times.
On his part, one of the victims, Mr. James Etta appreciated the Executive Chairman and her team, thanking her for her proactiveness and concerns, he stated that the Chairman through the S.A. on Peace and Security stood by them offering support, he further solicited for support stating that the effect of the fire disaster has left them and their entire families devastated and without a possible headway.
With the Chairman during the visit were the Vice Chairman of Council Hon. Maurice Ndome, Secretary of Council, Hon. Edo Owan, Director of Works, Mr. Stanley Obim, S.A Peace and Security, Hon. Agbor Esija, Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Osim Nkwam, Supervisor for Works, Mr. Ogar Enagu, Chief Protocol to Chairman, Mr. Nsor Odey, Chief Press Secretary to Chairman, Engr. Ntem Chris and a host of others.
