A Lawmaker representing Ibadan North State constituency in Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Olufunke Comforter Olajide, has called for urgent intervention of the State Government on indiscriminate bush burning along the popular Agodi Garden forest part which can create a significant risk of fire outbreak in the area.
Hon. Comforter made the call during the House plenary in her motion on urgent need to stop the act of bush burning during the dry season without proper control and supervision.
She noted that the dry vegetation and combustible materials aided by the harmattan season increases the likelihood of fire spreading rapidly and causing extensive damage to properties and also endangering lives.
She recalled that on Monday, 5th February, 2024, an incident of bush burning which occurred in a part of Agodi Gardens created a significant risk of fire outbreak, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the residents in Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan.
“Open fire was observed at the end of Agodi Gardens Forest which shared neighbourhood with Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue Old Bodija Estate, Ibadan close site of the recent explosion , an area already tensed as a result of the recent occurrence of explosion which made several landlords homeless, some lives lost and several casualties”.
“It took the timely intervention of the men of Oyo State Fire Services Agency who moved to the site of the incident to quench the open burning fire.”
She stressed that the act of setting fire on vegetation without proper control has become a major threat to the communities, posing severe risks to both human life and property, saying the development needs to be curbed before creating another devastating incident in the state.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overemphasized, as the consequences of fire outbreak in a densely populated area like Oyelese Street, Bodija is grave. It is the responsibility of the government to prioritize safety and well-being of its Citizens”.
The House however urged the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Information and Orientation to intensify public awareness campaign in the media to educate the citizenry about the dangers of bush burning and the importance of reporting any suspicious activities.
