Lagos to publish firecracker post-disaster findings

BY BOSE ADELAJA

Lagos— The Lagos State government has promised to publish promptly the post-disaster findings of the firecracker inferno that claimed one life, injuring not fewer than 40 others and destroyed 12 buildings at Jankara area of Lagos on the Boxing Day last year.

Also alarmed by the quantum of disasters that occurred in the state last year, the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has directed concerned agencies to ‘do everything possible’ to curtail disasters in the state.

*After the fire

As one of the measures, he has ordered  thorough investigations to ascertain the cause of the inferno.

General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority LASEMA, Mr. Femi Oke- Osanyintolu, who disclosed this yesterday at the scene of the disaster, also said the Governor has also directed that the culprit behind the disaster be brought to book.

‘’I want to assure you that the state government will come out with the post disaster assessment of the area where the unfit buildings will be recommended for necessary action.

As regards the culprit, investigation is still on-going and after we are through with this, we shall disclose our findings,’’ he added.

Osanyintolu who said the rate of disaster in the state has reached an alarming state, also said the governor is determined to prevent such occurrences, adding that LASEMA and other relevant agencies are working hard to forestal disasters.

‘’His excellency Governor Babatunde Fashola has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives to carry out proper investigation to ascertain the real cause and the culprit behind the incident, destruction and loss of life of the innocent soul, ‘’ Osanyintolu said.

Although the LASEMA boss did not mention if compensation will be paid to affected victims of the firecracker disaster, the government will cushion the effect on them.

‘’As regards the victims, the government will try to cushion the effect of the disaster on the affected victims.

“LASEMA and other relevant agencies are working hard to avert unnecessary incident of building collapse and fire out-breaks which are occurring at an alarming rate in the state,” he said.

Osanyintolu said clearing of debris is on-going and the government will come out with the post-disaster assessment of the area after proper tests have been conducted.