Reps promise to support Abuja market fire victims

The House of Representatives has pledged support for the victims of the recent fire outbreak at Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, made the pledge on Wednesday during an assessment visit to the market.

Agbebi, who led other members of the committee on the visit to assess the extent of damage by the fire outbreak, highlighted the significance of community market to local economy.

While acknowledging the severe impacts of the fire, Agbedi assured thd affected traders that the House would get the Federal Government to intervene in providing succour to the affected traders in a matter of days.

“We want to condole with our brothers and sisters who are traders in this market and have lost their valuables to the inferno.

“Upon hearing of the incident, we promptly communicated our condolences to the market association and those affected.

“As an assembly that makes laws for the FCT, we have come to identify with you as bonafide citizens who contribute to the development of the FCT and the nation,” he said.

The lawmaker added that efforts were underway to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the market union, FCT Administration, and federal agencies, to provide relief and support to the victims.

He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies to assist in mitigating the  impact of the disaster.

Earlier, the AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, stressed the enormity of the impact of the fire outbreak, saying majority of the 1,300 traders in the market were affected.

“Honourable Chairman, the impact of the fire is devastating. You can see things for yourself.

“The affected traders need help. They need urgent intervention,” Maikalangu said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Karu, Joseph Narai, thanked the National Assembly members and AMAC Chairman for coming to commiserate with the traders.

He said many affected traders were in different hospitals as a result of shocks from the news of the inferno.

“Goods worth millions of Naira are lost to the inferno. In fact, many traders are still in shock because of the inferno,” he said.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the market, Suleiman Haliru, reiterated that many traders were affected and needed urgent help.

He underscored the need for improved safety measures in FCT markets, as well as robust support systems for traders.

NAN