Ambode: Lagos State Governor.

Mr Rotimi Ogunwuyi, the Sole Administrator of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, has promised to assist families affected in the fire outbreak at the Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, to overcome their trauma.

Ogunwuyi made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

NAN reports that some flats and properties worth millions of naira at Block 520 within the estate were gutted by fire on Feb.5.

According to Ogunwuyi, the fire was caused by an alleged electricity spark caused by a faulty cable in one of the flats.

He said that most of the residents of the affected building were away when the incident occurred.

He said neighbours, who noticed the fire had to promptly put phone calls through to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service and the occupants of the affected flats.

“Sadly, the two flats on the last floor were already in ruins before the rescue team could reach the scene.

“Flat owners, occupants and residents watched helplessly as the fire fiercely gutted their properties and valuables,’’ he said.

The sole administrator lauded the efforts of LASEMA and the state fire service for putting out the fire and preventing it from spreading to other flats and blocks.

“I am particularly impressed with the various roles played at the site of the inferno by LASEMA, the fire service team and the leadership of the Estate’s Resident Association (AERA).

“I and other council officials also got to the scene of the incident immediately the information reached us to ensure orderliness,’’ he said.

Ogunwuyi condoled with the affected persons and pledged to work with the Estate’s Resident Association to assist them.

He also promised to renew calls for the equipping and inaugurating of an office of the state fire service in the Estate.

Ogunwuyi said he was confident that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State would look into the proposal of supporting the estate.

The sole administrator said only the state government could determine if its renovation would be done by either the residents or the Lagos Building Investment Company who are responsible for managing the estate.

“All will depend on the insurance policy and agreement covering the estate,’’ he said.

(NAN)