The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday, said that fire incidents have been high this year in the country.
He disclosed this at the passing out ceremony of 5th Cadets and commissioning of new modern fire fighting trucks, at the National Fire Academy, Sheda in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
“The dry season has been particularly harsh and prolonged and could have been a contributing factor. You should, therefore, brace up for a very active season of fire prevention and control.”
He charged the CG and his officers to put in place measures and strategies that would ensure effective deployment and utilisation of this huge fire fighting assets for optimal impact.
“You rev up your campaign against attitude and behaviours that could lead to outbreak of fire, and other fire preventive measures for government institutions, private organisations, individuals and especially markets.
“Experience has shown that markets are more susceptible to fire outbreaks and the effects there are usually devastating leading to anguish, pains and unquantifiable loss of goods and property.
“You should also work with other law enforcement agencies in cases where arson is suspected, and you have to bring the culprits to book.
“Fire prevention and control are the cardinal responsibility of government. You are the agency to undertake this assignment. I have no doubt that you will deliver,” he said.
He assured that he would strive to ensure that the service got all the necessary support for effective delivery.
He also appreciated his predecessor, Abdulrahman Dambazau, for his achievement, saying “a portion of the credit for delivering the vehicles must go to him.”
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the commissioning with over 100 modern firefighters trucks and the passing out of 2,200 cadets.