Mr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, Controller General (CG) of the Federal Fire Service, has advised traders in the Dei-Dei market, Abuja to establish a fire service outpost to tackle any fire outbreak in the market.

Jaji gave the advice while addressing the market stakeholders and firemen of the Dei-Dei Fire Service station on Tuesday.

The CG, who marked 100 days in office, also visited the Fire Service station in Nyanya and the Kubwa station currently under construction.

He had also flagged off a medical outreach in the Kpaduma community on Saturday.

Jaji said that products being sold in the market were highly combustible, as such it was imperative to have a fire outpost to quickly handle any emergency.

He told the traders that the service would deploy firemen to any fire outpost made available by the traders.

“It is not everything the government can do, the market belongs to you and you know how much you have invested in your business.

“The money being invested is not comparable to when money is contributed to building an outpost, which is a social corporate responsibility.

“There is also the need to ensure water is available at the outpost and most importantly a water tanker,” he said.

The CG further advised the traders to allow the fire service to assess the integrity of the market buildings, including the routine biannual checks of the structures.

He urged the various associations in the market to collaborate with the service in taking measures to guard against fire outbreaks.

Jaji expressed concern that the land allocated for the development of a police station opposite the fire station had been converted into a plaza.

He said that the firemen require police protection during emergencies in view of recurring mob attacks on the fire personnel.

Jaji pledged to tackle the problem of light and backup generator in the station, which was needed to pump water during fire emergencies.

Earlier, Mr. Francis Obidike, Chairman, Dei-Dei Timber shade, said that the market needed a fire outpost in view of the materials being sold there.

Obidike urged the CG to provide more firefighting trucks and equipment to the Dei-Dei fire service station, which services the market and the whole community.

He appreciated the men of the fire service for their professionalism and timely response to fire outbreaks.

Also, the Financial Secretary, Dei-Dei building materials market, Mr. Chijioke Okafor, called on the government to safeguard the fire engines and personnel from mob attacks.

Okafor attributed the recent attack on the station by mobs when traders clashed with some hoodlums in the area, to the absence of security personnel to guard the station.

He urged the people to appreciate the work of the fire service personnel and noted that the fire trucks at the station could not cater to the six markets in Dei-Dei.

Jaji during his earlier visit to Nyanya Fire station advised firefighters to ensure their safety while fighting to save the lives and properties of citizens.

“It doesn’t mean rescue shouldn’t take place, but the advice became important following the incessant attacks on firefighters in the area when responding to fire distress calls.

“The community needs to look at the importance of fire service and know that we are their friends, not their enemies.

“When our appliances get destroyed it would take months to repair and that would prevent the fight of future fire incidents,” he said.

The CG assured the personnel that the new firetrucks destroyed by mobs in the area would be repaired soon.

He however said that the trucks would not operate within areas threatening the safety of firemen until there was firm assurance of safety from the community leaders.

To tackle the issue of the non-availability of water at the fire service station, Jaji said a borehole will be constructed after a proper assessment of the land.

“We will send someone to inspect here because we can’t just drill a borehole without ensuring there is water and we also have to ensure it is not hard water that can spoil appliances.

“Before the year runs out, we will also ensure personnel from this station attend local training on world best practices,” he said.

Jaji appreciated the Nyanya Police Division situated in the same compound as the fire station, for their cooperation.

Responding, the DPO, CSP Alhassan Majia said that the police had always sent an advance team to fire emergency locations since the attacks on firemen started.

“Our job is to achieve the same goal of protecting citizens, so we will continue to work together.

“We are always ready to work with your men to protect lives and property,” he assured.