…as Omobayo visits scene
The Edo State Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki has condoled with the families of victims of the Jattu market incident.
The incident occurred on Monday morning in Jattu market, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State, where about four lives were allegedly lost due to fallen trees caused by a heavy downpour.
Obaseki who received the news of the unfortunate incident with a heavy heart said, “The incident is deeply saddening and I extend heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by the very tragic incident.”
The Edo State Governor stated that emergency response teams have since been deployed to manage the situation and provide support and assistance to those affected, while urgent steps are immediately being taken to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Following, the Edo State Government has urged all residents to exercise utmost caution as the rainy season intensifies, while reassuring of sustained efforts and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“May God grant repose to the souls of the departed and succour to their families,” Obaseki prayed.
Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, says the state government will do its best to cushion the effects of rainfall disaster.
The Deputy Governor made the remark when he visited the scene of the disaster where four trees fell due to a heavy rainstorm.
The Deputy Governor and his entourage also visited Blossom Hospital, a private medical facility in Jattu, where some victims of the unfortunate incident were receiving treatment.
Omobayo said he had to abandon pressing official duties in Benin, despite his busy schedule, to embark on the trip to Jattu, upon receiving the unpalatable news of the disaster for an on-the-spot assessment of its impact.
Omobayo said his visit to Jattu was to commiserate with the families of the deceased and empathize with the injured victims.
The Deputy Governor stated that Governor Obaseki was deeply touched by the unfortunate occurrence while expressing his condolences.
He assured that the state government would do its best to ameliorate the plight of the people.
Omobayo promised the people that officials of Edo State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA and other relevant bodies would visit Jattu within the shortest possible time to do the needful.
According to him: “It is an act of God. Whether you like it or not, it’s a natural disaster. As the council chairman said, the trees are more than a century old. But that it happened simultaneously is what is giving us concern.
“If you look at the roots, they have already decayed. We have uprooted such trees within the Airport Road axis in Benin and embarked on planting new ones.
“One will not expect the trees to fall. If you look at the size, you will think they are deep-rooted and firm, but that’s old age for you.
“It’s a wake-up call. We will now have to look at trees in strategic places in the State with the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security. We still thank God it happened in the morning, as the chairman said. If it had happened during the peak period, the disaster would have been more catastrophic.
“What happened to one of us, affects all of us. We will collectively bear the losses. We pray God to help us avert things like this and pray for quick recovery of those that were injured”.
The Deputy Governor who was visibly in a sad mood, described the day as a black Monday in Edo State.
He was accompanied on the visit by his Chief of Staff, Hon Azeez Abeni, Chairman, Etsako West Council, Hon Marvellous Zibiri, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon Kingsley Uwagbale and Imah IV of Somorika, HRH Oba Sule Idaiye.
