Egbona Sad Over Ugep Market Inferno, Promises Intervention

As victims of the Ugep fire incident continue to count their losses, the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has expressed sadness over the incident.

The lawmaker said on Saturday that he was destabilised by the news of the fire outbreak and urged the relevant government agencies to undertake a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause so as to avoid a repeat in any part of the federal constituency.

In a statement, Egbona said: “I have just been informed of the outbreak of fire at the Ugep Main Market and that property worth millions of naira have gone with the inferno. I was first confused and dumbfounded, that my people who feed their families from whatever they sell in the market have been rendered hopeless by this disaster.

“Even though there is no authentic information on the cause of the fire, I can guess that the fortunes of hundreds of families have been buried in the rubbles and it may take them quite a while to bet themselves back.

“This fire incident, no matter what or who caused it, is a great setback to the traders and to the economy of Ugep and by extension a setback to this federal constituency. I feel the pains of the victims and wish to inform them that I am with them at this period of their travail.

“Let me address the traders directly. As your representative, I will do everything within my power to bring succour to you. I will not allow the government to rest until they have responded to you and found a healing balm for you.

“Please do not try to kill yourself because of the loss. My happiness is that no life was lost to the inferno. What has been lost are property that you can get back once there is life. Be consoled and comforted, rest assured that your God who made it possible for you to start the business in the first place, will not leave you; neither will I.

“Please accept my very sincere sympathy on this painful incident.”