The Kogi State Government has commenced an investigation into the fire outbreak that gutted Pee Links, one of the largest electronic stores in Lokoja, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The government says preliminary findings suggest possible lapses in safety compliance, which may have contributed to the extent of the damage.
The devastating fire outbreak at Pee Links Electronics Showroom in Lokoja has continued to attract reactions, with the Kogi State Government moving to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected facility, the State Consultant on Safety Standards, Regulations and Compliance, Friday Sani, disclosed that preliminary investigations had revealed possible lapses in safety standards.
He explained that the government was determined to establish the actual cause of the inferno and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in commercial establishments across the state.
Sani warned business owners against neglecting safety regulations, stressing that compliance remains essential to protecting lives, property, and investments.
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He assured that a comprehensive report would be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.
The government consultant also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his deputy for the swift deployment of firefighters and emergency responders, whose intervention helped contain the blaze and salvage some goods.
He expressed relief that no deaths or injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, the owner of Pee Links Electronics, Peter Emeka Onujeme, attributed the incident to a power surge while appreciating the state government and fire-service personnel for their prompt intervention.
Onujeme also dismissed suggestions linking the incident to spiritual causes, insisting that attention should remain on establishing the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over fire safety in commercial establishments, particularly those dealing in electrical and electronic appliances.
A similar fire outbreak reportedly occurred at the same store in 2020, destroying goods and other property.
With investigations now underway, the state government says the findings will guide stronger safety measures and compliance enforcement to prevent recurrence.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
