The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed an immediate ban on the roasting of fish and other animals as well as cooking within the major markets in the state.
The latest directive by Governor Ikpeazu was contained in a release issued by the state commissioner of trade and investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday.
It came on the backdrops of the fire incident on Tuesday at Line 27 of Ngwa road market in Aba.
He also directed the ministry of trade and investment to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops to support the concerned traders.
Media Talk Africa gathered that the inferno was as a result of a fish roaster’s stove that was left on after the closing of business.
Continuing, Governor Ikpeazu thanked God that the market authorities and other sympathizers could deploy available firefighting equipment to contain the fire quickly.
According to Abia’s chief executive, “we wish to encourage all market executives to fully implement the guidelines on fire protection within our markets including ensuring that no flammable material is allowed to be stored within the Market as well as effectively distribute fire extinguishers.”
