From Linus Effiong, Umuahia
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed deep regrets over last weekend’s fire incident which affected a private property at Azikiwe Road Aba and has sent his personal condolences and that of the State Government to the persons whose property and businesses were affected by the inferno.
The Governor advised our people to take extra care in managing electrical appliances in their homes and offices, and also avoid setting fires around public and private properties.
“We must be extra vigilant with electricity and our electrical appliances in our homes and offices. We must take extra time to ensure that all necessary electrical points are switched off at the close of the day”, the Governor added.
Governor Ikpeazu also used the opportunity to caution our people against the mindless destruction of public property which would have come in handy during emergencies.
In a clear reference to the the destruction of a fire truck belonging to the State Fire Service which came to intervene in the fire incident at the market some days ago, the Governor regretted that if that fire truck had not been destroyed, it would have effectively combated the fire outbreak at Azikiwe Road considering the short distance between the Fire Station at Aba and Azikiwe Road.
“When the fire truck was destroyed at the Industrial Market some days ago, little did our people realize that few days after, there would be a compelling need for a fire truck. This is why our people must resist the temptation of engaging in the destruction of public property, because no one knows whose need it will serve next”. The Governor stated.
Governor Ikpeazu assures that plans have been put on motion to boost the capacity of the State Fire Service to effectively combat fire incidents through the acquisition of brand new Fire Fighting systems including Fire Trucks and commended the people of Aba for their intervention in the fire incident at Azikiwe Road.
