Ortom supports victims of Otukpo market inferno with N50 million

Benue State Government has donated N50 million to victims of Otukpo Market inferno to cushion the effect the disaster has on their businesses.

Governor Samuel Ortom stated this today during an on-the-spot assessment visit, where he also charged the traders to support the State Government’s decision to restructure the market.

The Governor who sympathized with victims of the market fire for the loss of their property, thanked God that no life was lost, expressing the hope that the temporary setback would be overcome.

While also appreciating those who assisted in putting off the fire, Governor Ortom stated that a committee comprising of the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with Otukpo council, among others would ascertain the actual victims and also map out modalities for disbursement of the funds.

He urged those who had resisted restructuring and expansion of the market with court cases to withdraw such suits and allow government to create access roads through the market and relocate traders where necessary.

The Governor expressed worry over the spate of insecurity in Benue South Senatorial district occasioned by kidnapping, banditry, herders attacks and other crimes, urging stakeholders to join hands to combat the menace.

Acting Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Mr. Inalegwu Adakonye and Oche Otukpo, Chief John Eimonye as well as the Chairman traders union, Inalegwu Abounu, all appealed for access roads to the market, even as they expressed appreciation to the Governor for the timely visit.

It was confirmed that 315 shops were destroyed during the inferno with property worth billions of naira destroyed.